Arsenal are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of Thomas Lemar this month, with Alexis Sanchez inching closer to a move to Manchester City.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Arsenal are set to launch an assault for Thomas Lemar with Alexis Sanchez on the cusp of joining Manchester City this month. Liverpool are also interested in signing the AS Monaco midfielder as they look to replace Philippe Coutinho, who has joined Barcelona.
Lemar is regarded as one of the most exciting young midfielders to have emerged out of France in recent years, thanks largely due to his exploits for Monaco last season. The principality club won the Ligue 1 title ahead of firm favourites PSG, and the youngster played a key role in their triumphant campaign.
His advent also saw a gamut of clubs express their interest in Lemar last summer, with Arsenal the final club, who sought to sign him. The Gunners though, failed to land him with a late a £90 million deadline day bid as the player stayed put.
Upon the failure of a summer exit from Stade Louis II, the player has failed to hit the heights of the 2016-17 season, only managing two goals and four assists in 19 outings so far. But, several clubs still remain interested in the 22-year-old, with Arsenal and Liverpool, in particular, keen on signing him.
Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim admits Arsenal and Liverpool target Thomas Lemar could leave in January. #AFC #LFC pic.twitter.com/UiwIFhMklj
— Goal UK (@GoalUK) January 9, 2018
The Reds are eyeing Lemar as the player to reinforce Jurgen Klopp’s creative options following the departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona. And although the player is not a like-for-like replacement for the Brazilian, he certainly possesses the creative abilities that could see him take the mantle for years to come.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are looking at Lemar as the replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who is being heavily linked with a move to Manchester City this month. The Gunners seem to have changed their stance on the Chilean’s availability, with Arsene Wenger recently remarking that he does not fear losing him.
The report suggests that Arsenal are prepared to cash in on Sanchez instead of losing him for free in the coming summer transfer window, and will look to sell him for around £30 million. In turn, they are set to launch the offensive for Lemar, to secure his services ahead of Liverpool.
Arsenal’s attempts to sign the player will also be helped by Monaco’s softening stance on Lemar possibly leaving in the winter transfer window. While Leonardo Jardim had, last week, claimed that there’s no way that he will be sold in January, but his latest comments suggest that the 22-year-old “could” move.
Jardim said, “We do not typically sell players in the winter transfer window. But the month is long and many things could happen.”
Monaco are still unwilling to sell Lemar, but if he pushes for an exit, their hand may be forced, in which case, they will command a £90 million fee for him. It now remains to be seen if the figure turns out to be prohibitive for either Arsenal or Liverpool, or if either club ends up signing him.
