Arsenal confirm Alex the great will leave this month

Alexandre Lacazette will leave Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the month. 

The French striker made 206 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring 71 goals along the way.

Bidding farewell to the club he joined from Lyon in July 2017, Lacazette said: "I want to say thank you, a big thank you, because there was a lot of expectation from me when I signed. 

"The welcome was amazing for me. I felt comfortable straight away to play for the team and during my five years it’s been amazing with the fans in the stadium. 

"Thank you for the song as well, I never talked about it, but it really touched me a lot. A big thank you for everything.

"I’ll keep in contact with my team-mates, with the coaches, with the club. 

"I supported Arsenal since I was young, so obviously I’m going to keep supporting them. I know I will come back to the stadium as well. 

"Like we say, 'Once a Gunner, always a Gunner'."

Lacazette, 31, netted four goals and provided seven assists in 30 appearances as Arsenal finished fifth in the Premier League last term. 

But he will now seek a fresh challenge as boss Mikel Arteta bids to return the North Londoners to the top four next season. 

Arteta said: "Laca has been a fantastic player for us. 

"He’s been a real leader on and off the pitch and has been a very important influence to our younger players. 

"His commitment with us has been exceptional and we wish him and his family success and happiness."

Technical director Edu added: "A big thank you to Laca from everyone at Arsenal. He’s been really important for us. 

"He will always be part of the Arsenal family and we wish him well for everything in the future."