Alexandre Lacazette clarifies Arsenal future amid exit agreement reports

Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette has rejected claims that he could leave the club this summer.

The Times had stated that the France international would be allowed to leave this summer should Mikel Arteta ’s side fail to book their return to Europe’s premier competition after three seasons away.

The 28-year-old has endured what could be his worst season in front of goal since 2012/13 with just six league goals to his name, but he remains committed to the cause in north London.

"I don't know about this,” he said when asked if the reports were correct on Wednesday.

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“I have a contract with the club, there is no point for me to leave, everyone is happy with me at the club.”

He then added in regards to his poor form in front of goal: “I’m a striker but I’m not here only to score goals.

“There is a pressure but it’s not about me. People can talk. If my coach is happy with me, this is the main thing.”

Lacazette’s team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also been linked to the exit door due to the lack of success at the Emirates, but the former Lyon man thinks he will stay put.

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He said: “It’s really important (we keep him). I hope he’s going to stay.”

Before adding: “People should talk more about Auba. He’s not just a goalscorer.

“If we start winning trophies people will start talking about him (like that).”

The Gunners take on Olympiakos on Thursday in London with a 1-0 lead from the first leg thanks to Lacazette.

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Despite the positive scoreline and a priceless away goal, Arsenal missed plenty of chances to go further ahead but Arteta is feeling pleased with how the tie is balanced.

“I was very pleased with the general performance apart from the first 10 minutes when we gave the ball away,” their Spanish boss said of the result.

“The team played with a lot of personality and we managed to score which is positive.”

  • Arsenal FC
  • Europa League
  • Mikel Arteta
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