Arsenal’s quest for Thomas Lemar might come to an end and the Gunners are considering some alternative solution for some time. Arsene Wenger kept himself pretty busy in the pursuit of the youngster throughout the summer but Monaco were not ready to let him leave following a number of players of the core setup left the club.
Arsenal’s loss could be Barcelona’s gain. The Catalan giants have been hunting for some attacking reinforcements following the big money departure of Neymar in the summer.
Although they brought in Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in place of the departed Brazilian, the French teenager has been sidelined for a prolonged period with a ruptured tendon. Dembele’s injury has disrupted the proceedings at the Nou Camp and the Spanish giants are on the lookout for a substitute and have reportedly set their sight on Lemar.
Arsenal tabled a whopping £90m offer for the French international on the deadline day but Monaco’s tough mindset kept the player from leaving the club. Barcelona could be able to lower his value as the player hasn’t been able to recreate the magic of last season.
With Arsenal setting themselves away from the chase, it could come down to Liverpool and Barcelona in the end. The Reds have been keeping a close eye on Lemar’s movement and could test Monaco’s resolve with a substantial offer in the winter transfer window should Philippe Coutinho move outside the club.
Monaco’s vice-president Vadim Vasilyev should be ready for another big departure from the club but it would need a pretty big offer to tempt him selling their one of the hottest prospects.
Barcelona’s first choice has remained Philippe Coutinho but Liverpool have refused to budge on their demands and if a move fails to prosper, the Catalans would certainly shift their attention to Lemar.
The prospect of playing alongside Lionel Messi would lure any player to Nou Camp. Lemar could form a destructive partnership with Dembele and Messi up front and it could create a havoc in the opposition ranks.
Given the inflated transfer market, these days Lemar’s value could exceed the £90m price bracket easily and Barcelona won’t mind splashing the cash as their priority has always been quality, not quantity.
Lemar’s darting run through the flanks are dangerous enough to exploit the opponent defence. The 22-year-old can operate from the other side too and is also very fluent in the role of the attacking midfielder. A bidding war is set to be triggered and it remains to be seen who wins the race at last.
