Alexandre Lacazette has reiterated he is happy at Arsenal after scoring in his side’s opening day win over Fulham, but Mikel Arteta has warned the striker his place isn’t guaranteed.
The Gunners smashed Fulham 3-0 in their first Premier League game of the new season, with Lacazette sending Arsenal on their way with a goal after just eight minutes.
Lacazette has been mentioned as a potential makeweight in Arsenal’s efforts to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, but the Frenchman rubbished those rumours after the game against Fulham.
Asked by BT Sport if he was happy at Arsenal, he replied: ‘Yeah, I’m really happy. It’s only the press and people who say I am not happy and want to leave.
‘I want to play and win titles. That’s all. I’m happy at Arsenal.’
Summer signing Gabriel and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were also on the scoresheet in convincing win for Arsenal at Craven Cottage.
Centre-back Gabriel was making his debut, while former Chelsea attacker Willian provided three assists in his first appearance for Arsenal.
Arteta was pleased with his side’s performance and was quizzed about Lacazette’s future after the match.
The Arsenal manager insisted he was planning for a future with Lacazette, but warned the goalscorer his starting place was not safe with the likes of Eddie Nketiah also in the squad.
‘Yes he is in my plans,’ Arteta said of Lacazette. ‘A player that I like a lot, he knows that. He has Eddie (Nketiah) next to him, he’s going to push him.
Arsenal have another London derby to contend with in their next game when they welcome West Ham to the Emirates next weekend.
