Xhaka stresses value of Arsenal star amid contract stalemate
Granit Xhaka wants people to understand the importance of Alexandre Lacazette, and believes the Arsenal star is undervalued as he’s not a prolific goalscorer.
Lacazette scored for the first time since Boxing Day on Sunday as he converted a penalty to seal a comfortable 2-0 win over Leicester to send them back into the top four.
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Despite his lack of goals, Lacazette – who is out of contact at the end of the season – has been a key part of the revitalised Gunners in recent weeks and months.
Arsenal are willing to hand the Frenchman a new one-year deal but his future remains in doubt with the player wanting a longer contract.
It certainly seems like Xhaka would like Lacazette to remain at the club, with the midfielder lauding his influence on and off the pitch.
“In the end, people want him to score. People only see if players score,” Xhaka told Premier League Productions.
“But people sometimes don’t see how important he is for us, not only on the pitch but as well off the pitch. On the pitch, he is an amazing player and he understands the game so good with the quality he has.
“I hope now after this three, four, five, six weeks they (people) understand how important he is for us.”
Arsenal have picked up five successive wins since their draw with Burnley, leaving them in pole position to qualify for the Champions league next season.
Mikel Arteta’s side are currently one point above Manchester United, but have played three games fewer than the Red Devils.
and Xhaka is keeping his eye on the prize with a tough test against Liverpool on Wednesday, in which he admits they will have to find another gear to come out on top.
Xhaka added: “We are winning, that’s now five in a row, and we now have a big game on Wednesday against Liverpool. We knew this would be a key week for us before the international break.
“And let’s see on Wednesday, we have to maybe perform better (than against Leicester).”
