Arteta:”I am delighted with the way Lacazette has performed”

The Frenchman is Arsenal’s leading scorer this term with nine goals, including two in the Gunners recent win over West Brom.

The Arsenal striker has been on the end of some harsh criticism from fans and media alike and there were calls for him to be moved on in January, however with his recent upturn in form, not locking him down to a new deal before his contract is up in 18 months time is perhaps not the smartest move.

Mikel Arteta stated after the West Brom win, that Lacazette’s future will be sorted out in the summer and that both parties are not in a hurry to get a deal thrashed out.

“We have not talked about anything related to his contract,” said Arteta. “I am delighted with the way he has performed because he is scoring, has the form and energy at the moment so he needs to keep doing that.

“We will talk in the summer and make a decision then.”

After a rather lean spell in front of goal that coincided with his team’s drop in form, Lacazette has found his shooting boots again and has registered five goals in his last four games for the Gunners. That included a double in the 4-0 win over West Brom and Arteta was pleased with how his striker played.

“He was great,” Arteta said. “He needed that confidence with the goals.

“His work rate is always there, he’s always fighting for the team but he needed that luck for the ball to land to him in the right moments.

“I think he’s in a great moment, we have to take advantage of that and give him minutes because it seems like he’s enjoying it.”

Arsenal’s next game will be in the FA Cup when they host Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium as they look to retain their title.