Mikel Arteta updates on Alexandre Lacazette's contract status

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that the club are unlikely to hold contract negotiations with Alexandre Lacazette until the summer.

The Frenchman has netted 57 goals from 146 appearances for the Gunners and out of those, nine have come during the current campaign.

He has been largely inconsistent over the past 18 months, but has found form of late with four goals in the previous three league games.

Lacazette recently scored a brace in the 4-0 triumph over West Bromwich Albion and following the game, Arteta was asked about the striker's future.

He told: "We will talk in the summer and make a decision on what is going to happen. We haven't talked about anything relating to his contract."

The former Lyon man has less than 18 months remaining on his Gunners deal and so far, the club have not initiated talks over an extension.

His current form has helped the Gunners to pick up three straight league wins, but the board are assessing whether he can stay consistent over an extended spell.