Inside Arsenal's dressing room culture as Keown shoots down transfer claim

Martin Keown has provided an insight into the positive impact Alexandre Lacazette is having on the Arsenal dressing room.

The striker has been instrumental since he scored a crucial equaliser in stoppage time off the bench against Crystal Palace

The Frenchman has kept his place in the side ever since as Mikel Arteta opted to partner him up top alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang against Aston Villa and Leicester.

He has added a new dimension to Arsenal going forward, but it's his presence off the field that is also paying dividends for the north London club.

Former Arsenal defender Keown insists the younger players 'love having Lacazette around' as his experience is perfectly complimenting the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukyo Saka.

Arsenal have not lost for nine games

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And the pundit has reiterated the forward's importance to Arsenal as he detailed his relationship with the younger core of the squad

He told Mirror Online: "I think he is someone who brings a lot of energy, the players would have watched him not starting in the first nine games. They watch the way that he works, his worth ethic, the way he is around the building, always positive, and they can learn a great deal from that.

"Sometimes when you have lots of great players, but you don't have that know-how, maturity in players, it's very important for the likes of Saka and Smith Rowe to have great leadership around them - good role models.

"You need that in the building, they went with a lot of young signings, it's a young manager so I think it's really important. He came onto the pitch against Palace and completely transformed the team and he has kept his place ever since.

"There was no sulking, he basically came on to make things happen, he has made his mark and he is staying in the team by right."

Lacazette is out of contract at the end of the season and the latest report suggests Arsenal aren't planning to offer him an extension.

But Keown feels he still has plenty to offer the club and if he continues in this vein of form, he should be offered a new deal.

He added: "I still think he is more than young enough to be there for another couple of years. I feel Lacazette still definitely has something to offer.

Alexandre Lacazette has impressed for Arsenal ( Image:

Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

"If he continues to play like this now for the rest of the season, it seems like it is going to be difficult to get him out of the team. He is going to have a competition with Odegaard who can play in that position. It's about having a sustained period in the team now.

"All that bodes well for a new contract. That's what he is playing for, he is playing for his Arsenal future. It looks like he wants a future there in his performances."

The worry for Arsenal is that he could revert back to the inconsistent player they have seen during his time at the club.

But Keown insists that this new version of Lacazette is here for the long term.

Martin Keown is an ambassador for McDonald's Fun Football programme ( Image:

McDonald's Fun Football programme)

Asked if he could just be motivated to earn a new deal, he said: "No, I don't see that. He and Aubayemang, both bought by Arsene Wenger by the way, they were proven quality when they arrived and for whatever reason, we haven't seen the pair play in the same team very often.

"We talk about young players benefitting from his presence, but Aubayemang is too. I don't think we should worry too much about contracts, it will take care of itself. If he is playing well and Arsenal have a successful season, they will naturally want to keep him and he will naturally want him to stay.

"I think he is an honest type lad who has good energy and the right set of values that the manager wants. It looks like to me Arsenal have. really good dressing room."

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Martin Keown is an ambassador for McDonald's Fun Football programme. Go to mcdonalds.co.uk/football for fun video challenges you can recreate at home to keep your kids active.

Promoting the Fun Football Hub McDonald's Fun Football ambassador Martin Keown said: "I'm a visual learner and I would've loved to have had this hub back when I was young. The number of children who are inspired watching players like Saka and wondering how they can copy them at home can now access the hub and try out their new skills in their living room."