Mikel Arteta prepared to take a risk with Alexandre Lacazette

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Alexandre Lacazette will stay with the club for the season despite his expiring contract.

The Frenchman was a regular unused substitute at the start of the campaign, but he has recently become a key player up front.

Lacazette's current deal with the club expires in June next year. The hierarchy have yet to make any progress to extend his stay.

There is presently an impasse in contract negotiations, but Arteta has revealed that the striker will be staying for the rest of the season.

The Spaniard added that the same will be the case with Mohamed Elneny. The Egyptian has been a back-up midfielder this term.

He has been the subject of interest from Galatasaray in recent months, but the Gunners have no plans of losing him in January.

The north London club are presently fifth in the league standings with 20 points, two behind Liverpool, who they face at Anfield tomorrow.