BBC Sport Journalist David Ornstein has revealed that Arsenal look less likely to sign Thomas Lemar from AS Monaco during this summer’s transfer window.
The France international has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates in recent weeks amid suggestions that he has already terms over a five-year deal with the north London club.
However, Ornstein suggests that deal could well be off for the summer with Monaco concerned about losing yet another player to a Premier League club.
Arsenal growing less optimistic of signing Lemar. Still trying but other Monaco exits reduce chances. Intention remains to keep Sanchez #AFC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 17, 2017
Bernardo Silva and Tiemoue Bakayoko have joined Manchester City and Chelsea respectively this summer while Benjamin Mendy is also on the cusp of sealing a switch to the Etihad Stadium.
As a result, the Principality club are focused on keeping hold of their existing players with both Kylian Mbappe and Lemar likely to remain at the Stade Louis II.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has identified Lemar as his preferred option to bolster his attack this summer, but the latest setback could mean that the manager could revive his interest in Riyad Mahrez, who is waiting for an approach, Goal.com claims.
Mahrez has apparently agreed personal terms with AS Roma, but the initial deal worth £20m could be put on hold until the Gunners make their decision.
Wenger has been fairly calculative with his transfer targets this summer with Alexandre Lacazette providing the much-needed firepower required to push the club towards a long-awaited title.
The long-standing manager is also keen on recruiting a new central defender to his ranks, and it is suggested that the club could lodge a £45m bid to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton ahead of league rivals Liverpool.
