BBC Sport journalist David Ornstein has revealed that Arsenal are still in the hunt to sign highly-rated Monaco winger Thomas Lemar.
The Gunners have already failed with two bids worth £35m and £40m for the attacker, but the club remain hopeful of sealing a deal with the Ligue 1 champions with a bid of around £45m.
Speaking on a BBC Facebook Podcast yesterday, Ornstein confirmed that the Gunners are still maintaining their interest in Lemar, although the deal could be dependent on the transfer proceedings of other players. He said:
“The club are still interested in signing Thomas Lemar, the Monaco winger,” he said.
“It may be dependent on who else leaves Monaco with Bakayoko coming in at Chelsea and Mendy possibly at Manchester City but Arsenal are still in the hunt for Thomas Lemar.”
Arsenal are eager to add more players to the squad during the summer, and they could be a couple of exits, according to Ornstein, with Lucas Perez and Wenger favorite Olivier Giroud, on the fringes of the first-team.
“Who could those outgoings be? Well Lucas Perez is likely to leave. Olivier Giroud too the rumours around him are still swirling despite Arsene Wenger says he wants to keep him.”
He added that Alexis Sanchez’s future remains a mystery as of now, and a decision could probably be taken during the summer with his contract due to expire in 12 months’ time.
“Will Alexis Sanchez go? That’s the big question of the summer and it’s certainly one that hasn’t been settled yet.”
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— Arsène's Son 🎈 (@hughwizzy) July 14, 2017
The FA Cup holders have recruited the likes of Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette this summer, and the latter made an instant impact with a goal – coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 friendly win over Sydney FC on Thursday.
