Arsenal are hopeful that Alexandre Lacazette could agree to a new short-term contract at the club, according to a report.
The 30-year-old is out of contract at the end of the 2021-22 season and seemed to be heading for the exit door after struggling for opportunities under Mikel Arteta.
However, Lacazette has forced his way back into the first XI on a regular basis in recent weeks and has played a key role in Arsenal's upturn in fortunes up top.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have not ruled out the possibility of Lacazette signing a new short-term deal at the club, but the Gunners are unwilling to hand him the multi-year contract that he desires.
The report adds that Arsenal are mindful of up-and-coming players such as Folarin Balogun and Gabriel Martinelli when it comes to a new contract for Lacazette, and they do not want their chances of signing a new frontman to be hampered by a lengthy extension for the Frenchman.
Lacazette and good friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are said to act as positive role models for the club's youngsters, with the former impressing Gunners coaches with his attitude to training.
Lacazette has started Arsenal's last three Premier League games and boasts 68 goals from 179 appearances in a Gunners shirt.
Ben Knapton
