Arsenal fans have taken to social media after Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti replied to Alexandre Lacazette on Instagram.
The French centre-back was spotted among the Emirates Stadium crowd on New Year's Day for Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Manchester United.
Umtiti posted the picture as Mikel Arteta earned his first victory as Gunners head coach, thanks to goals from Nicolas Pepe and Sokratis.
The Barca defender's post prompted excitement from Arsenal supporters, with the north London side understood to be in the transfer market for reinforcements this month.
RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano and Juventus' Merih Demiral have been linked with a move to the Gunners, but if social media is anything to go by, fans remain keen on World Cup winner Umtiti, who has previously been touted as a target.
On Wednesday, Lacazette posted a picture of himself on Instagram, to which Umtiti replied in French saying: 'T'es beau toi', which translates as: 'you are beautiful.'
Arsenal supporters then responded with messages such as 'You're literally my favorite centre back, come to Arsenal,' 'We need you at Arsenal,' and 'Please come to Arsenal'.
With Calum Chambers ruled out for up to nine months with a ruptured cruciate ligament, Arteta confirmed Arsenal will be actively searching for the right addition to strengthen their backline.
"That we're going to try to be in the market to see options that can strengthen the team. That's for sure. That's our obligation. We're going to be working on that," Arteta said.
"My obligation is to give my opinion on the things I think we can improve.
"Obviously we have some bad injury with Calum [Chambers] a few days ago that is going to change our plans at the back. But the reality at the moment is we're not going to be able to do much.
"I'm more concerned at the moment to get people back from injuries than signings and try to improve the players we have here, get everybody on board with what we're trying to do. If something extra comes up and we think it's the right opportunity let's do it.
"He's (Chambers) in London. He's having surgery. We will know more about that this afternoon when he comes back from the theatre."
