Even though his contract is expiring and he hasn’t had consistent minutes, Alexandre Lacazette remains very popular at Arsenal.

The Athletic report that staff at Arsenal are impressed with Alexandre Lacazette’s attitude, with one telling the publication: “I hope he stays. He’s so good to everyone. He loves the club.”

Lacazette had a really strong couple of games last week, which was somewhat surprising given all the speculation around his future, as well as the fact he hadn’t been playing much at all before that.

After the Palace game, Mikel Arteta said that Lacazette’s motivation was never in doubt, before adding that Arsenal could still extend the 30-year-old’s contract.

Lacazette himself then told the media it hasn’t been easy sitting on the bench, but he’s just doing what he can to help the team.

The most likely scenario remains that Lacazette will leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. But you’d imagine the striker’s popularity behind the scenes will leave the door open to that changing between now and next summer.

With three goals and an assist in his six appearances (two starts), and a positive all-around display in the win on Friday, Lacazette appears to be more popular on the pitch than he’s been in a while.