Arsenal hotshot Lacazette admits he is 'flattered' by £70m Barcelona interest after goalscoring heroics

ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE has admitted he is flattered by Barcelona's interest in him.

The Gunners are looking to tie the French forward down with a new long-term deal following his sublime spell of form.

But Lacazette has fuelled speculation that he could leave at the end of the season when he discussed his links to Barcelona.

Speaking to Telefoot, the 27-year-old simply said: "It is flattering."

Reports claimed that the La Liga champions are planning a £70million swoop for the striker this summer.

It has been suggested that the Catalan side could offer Arsenal both Andre Gomes and Samuel Umtiti to tempt Unai Emery into accepting.

But the Gunners will want to keep hold of the France international, who joined them from Lyon for a then-club record fee of £47.

Lacazette picked up the club's Player of the Year award after scoring 19 goals and making 10 assists in all competitions.

He scored in both legs as Arsenal beat Valencia to book their spot in the final of the Europa League.

It is reported that Barcelona were watching him very closely as he netted a brace in the first leg at the Emirates.

And it is claimed that Lacazette is very close to the Spanish side's technical secretary Eric Abidal.

Formal talks between the two clubs are yet to take place, but Arsenal want to tie him and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang down at the Emirates.