It seems Arsenal’s transfer saga concerning Thomas Lemar is far from over as reports from France claim that AS Monaco intend to offload some more players before the transfer window closes on August 31. The North London club haven’t hidden their admiration for the 21-year-old, who took the Ligue 1 by storm with his scintillating performance from the left midfield last season.
Arsenal started the season in a poor way as they have conceded four goals in the opening two games winning one and losing the other. And both the times, the side’s unbalanced midfield was exposed leading many to believe that the club would still need a central midfielder to provide the ideal blend of interception and immaculate passing.
With Granit Xhaka playing the role of the perfect regista in the deep midfield, the Swiss international is in dire need of a mobile partner who can put in the work rate and strength to cover for his occasional lapses. And all the options available with Arsenal are either too attack minded or defence minded.
Wenger surely misses the genius of Santiago Cazorla, who could have been the ideal partner for Xhaka at the centre of the park with his unparalleled dribbling abilities and phenomenal ability to hold the ball in pressure situations. Arsenal have never really managed to replace him following his prolonged injury.
However, Monaco have been adamant on their take on Lemar and had made it abundantly clear on more than one occasion about their decision regarding his unavailability. Vice-president Vadim Vasilyev had said last month, “We have kept all of the key players that we intended to keep. And I will address speculation relating to Lemar – he is staying with us. He is an immense talent and is essential for the team.”
However, French news outlet Le 10 Sport now claim that Monaco could sell Lemar, Kylian Mbappe and Fabinho before the end of the month, and Arsenal are understandably on red alert. Lemar had provided a staggering 14 goals and 17 assists in 55 appearances last season and has already assisted once this season.
A left winger by nature, Lemar can play on either flank as well as from the centre. His is small framed and fast and possesses some terrific dribbling abilities. Although Manchester United have also been interested in the player, Wenger shares a good rapport with the player and could just edge out Jose Mourinho in landing him.
