‘Boss of the club’ – Lacazette explains key factor Arteta has instilled in Arsenal to inspire upturn

Alexandre Lacazette has credited the change in mentality at Arsenal to “the boss” Mikel Arteta, backing him to keep the club in the top four by the end of the season.

After a few years of ups and downs, it has been a much better season for Arsenal in 2021-22. Indeed, they look on course to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2016-17.

It would be a big achievement by manager Arteta, who has seen off some periods of pressure to build something positive at the Emirates Stadium.

Lacazette is currently serving as his captain following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January. The Frenchman has scored six goals and provided eight assists from 29 appearances in all competitions this season.

Doubts linger about his long-term future, since his contract expires at the end of the season. The 30-year-old could yet agree to an extension, even if Arsenal are looking for a new number nine.

But we understand that London rivals West Ham are plotting a contract offer to Lacazette if he is to let his Arsenal deal run down.

For now, they all must pull together and focus on a top-four finish. In that regard, Lacazette is optimistic thanks to how Arteta has improved many aspects of the club.

“We’re focused on being in the top four,” Lacazette is quoted by Mundo Deportivo. “We want to get the team into the Champions League next season.

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“We work for it all week, and at the moment, it’s working. We want to continue like this, working hard every day to play well at the weekend.

Lacazette on Arteta: ‘It’s all because of him’

“Arteta is the leader, the boss, even the boss of the club. Since he arrived, a lot of things have changed, including everyone’s mentality. It’s all because of him.”

Arteta took charge of Arsenal in December 2019 as a replacement for Unai Emery. He led the club to the FA Cup and Community Shield trophies over the summer of 2020.

Arsenal’s former midfielder has since improved their Premier League standing too. After missing out on Europe altogether last season, they could get back in the big time by the end of this term.

Whether Lacazette sticks around for any potential Champions League campaign remains to be seen. But Arteta will be leading the club through what comes. His own contract runs until 2023 and there have reportedly been plans for Arsenal to renew it.

It would ensure further stability at the club, which is what they have required for a long time.

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