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Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has admitted he’s in discussions “with a lot of clubs” right now, and hinted at what could determine his fate.

Arsenal’s options in the final third could look unrecognisable when next season begins. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left for Barcelona in January. That left Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah to carry the can in central positions.

However, neither have pulled up trees in front of goal in 2022 with the pair registering just one league goal between them since January 1.

Even more worrying for Arsenal is the fact both players will be out of contract in the summer.

If extensions for one or both strikers aren’t signed, multiple additions may be required to ensure Mikel Arteta is not left short on firepower.

Lacazette would undoubtedly be the biggest loss of the two despite struggling of late. What he’s lacked in end product he has made up for in other areas.

Indeed, the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli had all looked lively when playing off Lacazette until Arsenal’s recent stretch of poor form.

At 30, there have been questions asked as to whether it would be wise to offer Lacazette a new contract. However, if the latest comments of the Frenchman are anything to go by, the decision may be taken out of Arsenal’s hands anyway.

Lacazette opens up on Arsenal exit

Speaking to French TV station Canal+, Lacazette said (via Football London): “I am in discussions with a lot of clubs. I am open.”

Atletico Madrid have long been linked with the veteran forward. Barcelona too have been named if their pursuit of Erling Haaland falls short.

However, Lacazette specifically named former club Lyon when rousing speculation a return to France could be on the cards.

“I have never cut contact with Lyon since I left,” admitted Lacazette.

“I try to return to the club once or twice a year to see the medical staff because we are really close. Lyon knows that I am free, they have come to the information.“

Lacazette is the third-highest scorer in Lyon’s history with 129 goals to his name. Securing his return would represent a statement of intent from the French outfit who are enduring a miserable campaign at present.

Indeed, Lyon sit eighth in Ligue 1 and were dumped out of the Europa League by West Ham on Thursday night.

That may ensure they do not qualify for any European competition next season – something Lacazette admitted makes a return more “complicated”.

When asked how the absence of European football would affect a return to Lyon, Lacazette added: “It’s a bit more complicated.

“I want to play in Europe, it’s been a long time since I played in the Champions League, I’m missing it. It’s a little more complicated, nothing is impossible in life, but it’s a little more complicated.”

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