AS Monaco are prepared to do business with Arsenal for Thomas Lemar, provided they are willing to break their transfer record for the second time this summer.
Lemar, 21, has been identified as Wenger’s prime target for the transfer window following a top campaign with Monaco, where he bagged 14 goals and as many assists in all competitions.
According to The Star, Monaco have slapped a £55m price tag on Lemar’s head, and the Gunners’ reluctance to match his valuation could see him remain at Stade Louis II next season.
Arsene Wenger’s side were initially hoping to land Lemar for just £25m but the Principality outfit have taken the lead from their recent sales in order to increase their asking price.
The French champions have already agreed on a £52m fee for the proposed sale of left-back Benjamin Mendy to Manchester City, and they are said to demand slightly higher for Lemar.
Wenger has highlighted that his side would remain active in the transfer market, but a deal for Lemar could depend on the exits of a couple of fringe players.
Crystal Palace had failed with a £16m attempt for Chambers earlier this week, but the Gunners are optimistic that a deal could be struck for around £25m.
Kieran Gibbs is another that has attracted Premier League interest this summer, but his exit looks far off with clubs reluctant to match his £15m valuation.
Arsenal ended their pre-season tour of China with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea, but Wenger will still take the positives from the game, where the Blues were more clinical in front of goal.
