'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What is the story?
Arsenal star, Alexandre Lacazette, has responded to the rumours regarding a possible move to Barcelona, stating that their reported interest is flattering.
In case you didn't know...
With 19 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, Lacazette has proven himself to be an asset for Arsenal up front in his second season with the club. The 27-year-old forward has formed a decisive partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and terrorised opponents' rearguard with their calibre in the final third.
The French forward has racked up 5 goals in the Europa League, which helped Arsenal reach the finals of the competition. Arsenal finished the Premier League in 5th spot, with 70 points, just a point behind their arch-rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
On the other hand, Barcelona failed in their quest for European glory once again, as they failed to hold on to their three-goal lead at Anfield. Having already secured the LaLiga title, Barcelona will be hoping to secure the domestic double, but their consistent failures in the Champions League for the past few campaigns will be a cause of concern.
The heart of the matter
Luis Suarez is not getting any younger, and it is no secret that the Barcelona board are looking for a striker who will take over the mantle.
Moreover, Suarez has managed to score only one goal in the Champions League campaign this season and the Barca hierarchy is planning to bring in reinforcements. Lacazette is reportedly one of the names on their wishlist.
When asked about Barcelona's interest in an interview with Telefoot, Lacazette said:
"It is flattering.”
The French forward had a lot of praise for Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
"That's what the club saw him as the coach to help the team go to the next step and he did because we go to the final in his first season,"
"I hope it is going to be a great final for us and we will prepare for it. It is really important. The Champions League is a big competition."
What's next?
Arsenal will face Chelsea in the finals of the Europa League on 29 May.
