AS Monaco’s superstar midfielder Thomas Lemar reportedly wants to join Manchester United over Arsenal
According to a tweet by Duncan Castles, highly in-demand midfielder Thomas Lemar is keen on a move to join Manchester United over Arsenal.
After a scintillating season, Monaco’s players fell prey to a slew of big name clubs. But, the French club are understood to be reluctant to part ways with Lemar and have insisted that he is not for sale. However, that has not stopped Arsenal and Manchester United in their attempts to land the 21-year-old.
Thomas Lemar joined Monaco in a £3.4 million deal from Caen two years ago, and enjoyed a stellar campaign under Leonardo Jardim in what was his second season at Stade Louis II. The Frenchman played a pivotal role in Monaco’s emphatic Ligue 1 victory as well as their Champions League run which lasted till the semi-finals.
In 28 Ligue 1 appearances last season, Lemar bagged nine goals and ten assists. He shone for Monaco in the Champions League as well, 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.
Although both Arsenal and Manchester United have been interested in Lemar for months, the midfielder is believed to be interested in a move to join the Red Devils over the Gunners.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has been targeting Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic for months now, having publicly stated that he is interested in adding a wide attacker to his squad. Although United have been performing well, adding an attacker to their squad could prove to be a solid addition.
Their pursuit of the Croatian winger has yielded no results so far, and that is why Lemar can prove to be an ideal alternative for United. At 21, he is a long-term solution as compared to Perisic, and is likely to have a higher re-sale value as well. Additionally, joining United will allow him to compete in the Champions League as well.
However, the need for an attacking midfielder appears to be more dire at Arsenal. Theo Walcott’s inconsistent performances coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the future of Alexis Sanchez only shows how desperately the Gunners need a player like Lemar.
While signing Lemar could pave the way for Alexis Sanchez to leave the Gunners with minimal damage to the club, it looks like Wenger will have to look elsewhere for options. With United keen on a move, and the player also interested in securing a move, Old Trafford seems to be Lemar’s next destination.