Manchester City and Chelsea are reportedly set to lock horns in the chase of Monaco’s £30-million-rated star Thomas Lemar
According to Vincent House of L’Equipe, Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea are willing to offer £30 million to Monaco for the services of their industrious attacker Thomas Lemar. It is also reported that Atletico Madrid could swoop in for the 21-year-old, should Antoine Griezmann complete a much rumoured switch to Manchester United.
The France international has been in sensational form this season, finding the back of the net on seven occasions and providing another six assists. He has been pivotal in guiding Monaco to the top of the Ligue 1 standings – where they sit three points adrift of second-place Paris Saint-Germain.
Lemar is stalling on signing a new contract as he is reportedly considering his options given the added interest in his services. According to Matt Spiro of beIN Sports, Bayern Munich are also keeping an eye on the Monaco winger.
If the French side fail to keep hold of the player, they will be looking to command a high fee in order to let go of his services. The likes of City, Chelsea and Bayern will have no problem in paying in excess of £30 million if they are impressed with the player’s calibre.
It could even pave the way for a bidding war as all three of the aforementioned clubs, along with Atletico will be looking to add to their options in the final third come the end of the season.
Chelsea probably will benefit most from the acquisition of Lemar, as Antonio Conte’s side are expected to return to the Champions League, and will need to add to their depth if they are to sustain among Europe’s elite clubs.
Eden Hazard on the left flank has been in stellar form this season, but does not have a like-for-like replacement that can take his place if he is injured. Willian and Pedro have been alternated down the right, and Lemar could be tried as Hazard’s understudy.
While he may not be at the level of the Belgian as yet, Conte is known to bring the best out of his players, and could convert the Frenchman into a world beater.
At Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Lemar would be in a dressing room of bigger names and is could be tempted to moving there as well. However, this appears to be at the initial stages, and the next few months could throw light as to where the 21-year-old will end up next season.
