Edu told to make Alexandre Lacazette Arsenal decision to solve Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang issue

Arsenal have been told to reconsider their stance on Alexandre Lacazette and retain the striker with his contract running out in the summer.

Lacazette has a few months left on his deal before he becomes a free agent but has filled the void left by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who left for Barcelona in January.

Eddie Nketiah’s contract also runs out at the end of the season, potentially leaving Arsenal with no recognised striker heading into the 2022-23 campaign.

It was the Frenchman’s effort in the dying embers of the game against Wolves which was parried in by goalkeeper Jose Sa, handing the Gunners the crucial three points in their ongoing quest to finish inside the top four of the Premier League.

According to The Athletic, the club will talk to Lacazette at the end of the season about the possibility of extending his stay in north London.

But former Leeds United player Noel Whelan believes the club should bring those talks further forward and offer Lacazette a new deal for him to sign.

“He’s got a part to play beyond this summer, for sure,” he told Football Insider.

“He is still putting in these top performances and showing this professionalism despite his contract situation and despite what happened with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

“He has got some real character about him. [Mikel] Arteta must be looking and thinking: ‘How can I let a player like this go.’

“He’s stepped up to be a real leader in this Arsenal side. He’s taken the responsibility and that’s commendable considering all the speculation about his future.

“It will be hard to ignore not only the performances but also the character and attitude he’s shown. He could stay yet.”