Lacazette to leave Arsenal when contract expires

Alexandre Lacazette will leave Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of June, the north London club have confirmed.

The 31-year-old joined the Gunners from Lyon in the summer of 2017 and went on to score 71 goals in 206 games in north London.

However, the goals dried up a little for Lacazette this season - he scored six in 36 games - and he and Arsenal have now decided to go their separate ways.

A statement from manager Mikel Arteta posted on the club's official website said: "Laca has been a fantastic player for us. He's been a real leader on and off the pitch and has been a very important influence to our younger players.

"His commitment with us has been exceptional and we wish him and his family success and happiness."

Technical director Edu added: "A big thank you to Laca from everyone at Arsenal. He's been really important for us. "He will always be part of the Arsenal family and we wish him well for everything in the future."

The France international made his name at Lyon, where he found the net 129 times, after coming through the academy at the French giants and he has been linked with a move back to the Groupama Stadium this summer.

Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth:

Arsenal are primed to have another busy summer. Missing out on Champions League football may affect spending plans, but there are areas Edu and Mikel Arteta will want to strengthen.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure in the last transfer window means Arsenal are definitely in the market for a striker. The Gunners' strike force is boosted by Eddie Nketiah being on the verge of signing a new contract this summer.

With Alexandre Lacazette leaving, expect one or two new players to arrive up front. Folarin Balogun has had a loan spell