Premier League club Arsenal are preparing to offer French striker Alexandre Lacazette a contract extension so as not to lose him on a free transfer in the summer.

The Gunners are proposing a one-year contract extension with the possibility of another one-year deal on expiration. Alex Lacazette has been a major player in Arsenal’s strike department since the departure of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona.

However, this has not stopped the forward from being linked to a possible move to Barcelona to join the Gabonese forward.

He may also return to Olympique Lyon as the French Ligue 1 side are said to be interested in him bringing him back to the club.

The 30-year-old striker, however, has only scored four goals in 23 Premier League matches this season. He also has just three months left on his contract with the Gunners.

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has indicated that any deal concerning Lacazette may be restricted to this summer amid more interest.

“We have discussed that at the end of the season when we know where we are, we are going to make a decision together [on Lacazette’s future],’

We agreed the decision is to do it in the summer [assess the situation], and that’s when we are going to do it.’ Arteta said.

Arsenal has had a tremendous season as they currently sit in the fourth position, where they hope they will be at the end of the season as they hope to return to the UEFA Champions League.

Arsenal beat Aston Villa 1-0 in their last game before the international break while they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in a Saturday afternoon derby.

The Gunners have 54 points from 28 games and have two games in hand. They are already three points above Spurs and five behind Chelsea in third.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu