Arsenal have reportedly joined Tottenham Hotspur in the pursuit of Monaco attacker Thomas Lemar. The France international is open to linking up with Arsene Wenger’s side regardless of their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
French publication L’Equipe suggests that the 21-year-old could prefer a switch to the Emirates ahead of other suitors after having watched several French players flourish under Wenger’s management.
The Gunners do not have the Champions League up for offer for the first time since 1997, but Lemar is still keen on a potential switch as his arrival could improve the club’s chances of securing the Premier League title next season.
Lemar, who initially started his career in central midfield, bagged nine goals and 10 assists in the Ligue 1 last term while operating on the left side of the attack.
His showing captured the attention of national team coach Didier Deschamps, who offered the attacker his Les Bleus debut in November last year.
Tottenham Hotspur and Serie A holders Juventus are among the other clubs vying to recruit the highly-rated winger in the summer, but Wenger could still use his former links with Monaco to his advantage in order to recruit the upcoming prospect.
Earlier last month, L’Equipe claimed the Principality outfit will demand a sum of around £26m, and this is well within the range of the Gunners, who don’t overspend on their recruits in the transfer market.
Wenger signed a new two-year contract extension with the Gunners earlier this week with the promise that he would bring in ‘top top’ players in order to end a 13-year wait for the English crown.
