Arsenal fans have had plenty to get excited about this season, but the future of Alexandre Lacazette remains a major talking point.
The striker has forced his way back into Mikel Arteta 's plans after beginning the season on the fringes of the first team, but his contract is due to expire in the summer.
The Frenchman will be free to talk to potential new clubs in the new year, with Arsenal running the risk of losing their former record signing for nothing.
Manager Arteta has spoken highly of Lacazette's contribution to the team this term, acknowledging the player has not let his standards slip despite the contract situation, and the boss was quizzed on his striker's future once more this week.
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In October, Arteta confirmed he still sees Lacazette as an "important player" for the Gunners, saying the player "created a different atmosphere" upon entering the pitch to help secure a point against Crystal Palace.
Since then, the former Lyon man has been handed a run of starts as Arsenal have cemented their place in the top six.
However, question marks remain when it comes to whether the club's higher-ups would sanction a lengthy extension for one of the club's highest earners.
When asked about Lacazette being free to talk to potential suitors in January, Arteta said "That’s a position that’s happening more and more in football. He is not the only one, we have a few.
That’s something we have to deal with - with contracts that they were coming from a few years ago - with certain particularities," the manager added.
"We knew that was the case. I have already spoken with them individually about how we have to handle those situations the best possible way, and that’s it."
Arsenal have lost important players for nothing in recent summers, while the club may feel they erred by handing big-money deals to players who then departed, and Arteta addressed the issues at hand.
"Sometimes the club has more control and sometimes the player has some more control. The important thing is that communication is clear, and the intentions of both parties – while they are together – are very clear," he said.
"That the demands don’t change. Whether you have a 6 month, or 6 year contract you are still employed at the club.
"You are here because you are willing to be here, and you have to perform at a ten, and there is nothing different with respects to anybody."
Before Lacazette is allowed to talk to foreign clubs about a potential pre-contract agreement, he has a number of opportunities to make himself indispensible to Arsenal.
The Gunners take on Newcastle United this weekend, and have several further Premier League games on the horizon before the turn of the year.
It's now up to the player and club to determine where he will be playing his football in 2022 and beyond.
