Alexandre Lacazette has admitted it’s flattering to have FC Barcelona interested in signing him this summer, as Arsenal move to secure the striker’s future.

Speaking to French outlet Telefoot last week, Lacazette admitted “it is flattering” to be linked with Barcelona. Reports in Spain suggest the La Liga champions want to bring in either Lacazette or Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, depending on the availability of the Atletico striker.

Arsenal, of course, have other ideas. They already have the striker tied down to a contract lasting for three more years, and reports last week suggested they want to extend it even further.

The Gunners are apparently planning to offer Lacazette a £250,000-a-week deal to stay in North London after the 27-year-old won the fans’ Player of the Season award for the 2018/19 campaign.

Hopefully, that means nothing more will come of Barcelona’s interest this summer. It’s not that Arsenal couldn’t use the money that Lacazette’s transfer would bring, it’s just that they’d be selling off such a key player in the squad that it wouldn’t be worth it, even if they could spend that money to bring in another.

Lacazette has directly contributed to 30 goals this season and has an excellent relationship with his teammates, so holding on to him is for the best.