LACAZETTE FACES RAP FOR BALLOON

ARSENAL are taking reports striker Alexandre Lacazette inhaled nitrous oxide from a balloon ‘seriously’ and will deal with the matter internally. The Frenchman, who has been warned about a similar offence previously, was pictured with a balloon in his mouth and is said to have sent a video to friends, according to reports in the Daily Star.

An Arsenal spokesman said: ‘This is a private matter which we are taking seriously. It will be handled internally.’ Lacazette was warned by the club in 2018 when more video footage emerged of him inhaling the gas in a nightclub with Gunners team-mates. It is the second misdemeanour in recent weeks for the striker, having had to be reminded of his responsibilities last month when he was pictured flouting lockdown guidelines by not social distancing while having his car valeted on his driveway. Meanwhile, Frank Lampard is determined to convince Chelsea’s out-of-contract players to sign short-term extensions in order to see out the delayed Premier League season at Stamford Bridge. Willian and Olivier Giroud are among those whose existing deals expire on June 30, but new rules introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic will allow them to strike mutual deals to complete the campaign.

Premier League clubs are meeting again this week to discuss the next stage of Project Restart, with most Chelsea players expected to return to training at Cobham by the middle of next week.