Ian Wright and Micah Richards agree on ‘outstanding’ Arsenal player as Mikel Arteta sent plea

Arsenal icon Ian Wright has called on his former club to keep hold of Alexandre Lacazette beyond the end of the season.

The forward is out of contract in north London in the summer, and as yet, there have been concrete indications to suggest that he plans on signing an extension to his current deal.

Instead, widespread reports have claimed that the 30-year-old could be in line for a return to Lyon - the club from which the Gunners signed him in 2017.

But Lacazette has found himself thrust back into the limelight at the Emirates in recent weeks following the January departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and put in a game-changing display in the 3-2 win over Watford on Sunday afternoon.

His two assists in that clash were enough to earn him high praise from the likes of BBC pundit Micah Richards, and have led to Wright questioning whether Arsenal should reassess his potential exit.

What has Micah Richards said about Alexandre Lacazette?

Speaking on the BBC Radio Five Live Football Daily Podcast, the former Manchester City defender was quick to praise the Frenchman for his display against Waford.

He said: “What about that striking situation?

“I thought Lacazette was outstanding with his two assists, the situation with Aubameyang looked like the right decision in the end, but going forward who do you want to see in that forward position taking you to the next level?”.

What has Ian Wright said about Alexandre Lacazette?

The Arsenal legend has made it clear that he wants Lacazette to stay in north London.

Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, he said: “His position is vitally important to everything we do, just look at the two assists he got.

“Unless we get that person, you think to yourself, maybe we could give Laca another year or two.

“I think Laca has got to stay around, man. You can see with his little back flick [for Bukayo Saka’s goal vs Watford], his little assist. Man is feeling the vibe!”