Arsenal are reportedly planning to pursue Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar, who has been heavily linked with Tottenham Hotspur.
According to a report by L’Equipe, Arsenal are ready to indulge in big business this summer as they are targeting Thomas Lemar from Monaco. Earlier reports suggested that the Gunners are serious about signing Lemar’s teammate Kylian Mbappe as well, and are willing to pay a large sum in order to lure him.
All eyes will be on how Wenger fares this summer as far as transfers are concerned since he has not had enough luck with the same on previous occasions. Although he got a two-year extension on his contract and won the FA Cup, fans are still apprehensive about the Frenchman, and he will be looking to sign some quality players.
Thomas Lemar joined Monaco in a £3.4m deal two years ago, and has enjoyed a stellar season under Leonardo Jardim. The 21-year-old played pivotal roles in Monaco’s emphatic Ligue 1 victory and also in their Champions League run which lasted till the semi-finals.
In 28 Ligue 1 appearances last season, Lemar contributed to nine goals and 10 assists. He shone for Monaco even in the Champions League, with two goals and four assists in nine games. For a youngster like him, such numbers speak volumes about the amount of potential he possesses.
Additionally, it is a known fact that French stars like Thierry Henry have touched massive heights under Wenger at Arsenal, and Lemar will hope for the same since he is young and has a lot of learning left to do. The Gunners will not be able to provide Champions League football next season, so Lemar will have to keep that in mind.
However, as far as opportunities are concerned, Lemar will enjoy a more prominent role at Arsenal when compared to Tottenham.
Arsenal have also been linked with Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City. Mahrez enjoyed a scintillating season when Leicester City pulled the historic fairy tale win, but since then there has been a decline in Leicester’s form and that reflects in Mahrez’s performances. He has been satisfactory, but he lacks the firepower he once possessed.
If it comes to a choice between Lemar and Mahrez, Wenger is likely to choose Lemar simply because the youngster has more potential and also can be shaped into a lethal midfielder under Wenger’s watchful eye.
