Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are yet to open talks with Alexandre Lacazette over a new contract at the Emirates.
The France international's current deal at Arsenal expires at the end of the 2021/22 season, but there has been uncertainty over his future in north London.
Lacazette's starting place has been under threat with Eddie Nketiah favoured over Lacazette in recent Premier League games by Arteta.
Arsenal may also have to sell to fund any big money signings in the upcoming transfer window, which has seen the former Lyon striker heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer.
But Arteta says the Gunners are in rush to open negotiations with the striker, and says the club will commence talks when the time is right.
"We have to have a chat about the next step with him and get his idea, his feeling," Arteta said during his pre-match press conference.
"As I said, I'm really happy with him. He's a player I always liked, even when I wasn't here because what he brings to the team, his qualities, his ability, his work rate so let's see.
"Right now we are in a crucial moment, it's not time to talk about a lot of contractual situations, we still have time and we will do it in the right moment."
Lacazette came off the bench to net Arsenal's second goal in their 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.
The win moves Arsenal to within striking distance of the sides above them, and the Gunners can take another big step towards revitalising their European hopes when they host Leicester on Tuesday night.
