Mikel Arteta refuses to rule out new contract for Arsenal striker

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Alexandre Lacazette and talked up the possibility of negotiating a new contract with the Frenchman.

Lacazette has struggled to score regular goals over the course of the campaign and he has netted only 10 times in 32 appearances in all competitions.

In the second half of the season, he has been in and out of the starting lineup due to the emergence of Eddie Nketiah and has been effective with some late goals off the bench.

Speaking ahead of the Leicester City game, Arteta said that he is a fond admirer of the Frenchman and he likes the quality and work rate he brings to the team.

"I am really happy with him. He's a player I always liked, even when I wasn't here, because of what he brings to the team, his quality and his work rate," He said.

Lacazette currently has less than two years remaining on his contract with the club and when asked about a possible renewal, Arteta added that negotiations will take place at a suitable point of time.

"Now we are in a crucial moment it's not time to talk about a lot of contract situations. We still have time and we will do it in the right moment," He further told.

Lacazette recently came off the bench to score the final goal in the 2-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He is likely to replace Eddie Nketiah upfront for tomorrow's league clash against Leicester City.