Mikel Arteta open to new contract for Arsenal star

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to rule out a new long-term contract for Alexandre Lacazette.

The Frenchman has only nine months left on his Gunners deal, and he has been tipped to leave on a free transfer.

There are no plans of handing him an extension, but Arteta remains optimistic that a renewal will be sorted.

Speaking earlier today, Arteta acknowledged that he has no powers to influence the decision of the hierarchy.

However, he refused to rule out a new deal for Lacazette, highlighting that the striker remains fully committed.

The 30-year-old recently came off the bench against Crystal Palace. He netted a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser.

He could make his first league start of the season when the Gunners entertain Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.

The Gunners could jump to ninth in the standings with a victory over the Villans. It won't be an easy challenge for them.

Villa beat them in both league meetings last season. They scored four goals in the process without conceding even once.