Mikel Arteta makes transfer decision on Arsenal striker

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has insisted that he has no plans of selling Alexandre Lacazette when the transfer window reopens.

The Frenchman has less than nine months remaining on his contract, and he could leave on a free transfer next summer.

This has led to speculation that the Gunners could cash in on him in January, but Arteta has insisted that is unlikely to happen.

The Gunners boss plans to keep Lacazette for the entire campaign regardless of whether he signs a new contract or not.

The club's hierarchy have not initiated talks over a renewal with the Frenchman despite his contract running down soon.

They are prepared to pursue a young striker next summer, and are not keen over a new deal for Lacazette on improved wages.

Lacazette is one of the highest earners at £180,000-a-week. The board believe they can sign a replacement on a lower salary.

Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak is one of the potential transfer targets.