Thomas Lemar wanted a move to the Premier League this summer and would have been happy signing for either Arsenal or Liverpool.

That's according to Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev, who says the club took a "communal decision" to keep hold of the France international.

Arsenal were linked with the winger all summer and made a sensational £90million bid for his services on Deadline Day.

The Gunners were hoping to get the deal over the line so that they could then in turn give Manchester City the green light to sign Alexis Sanchez.

Arsene Wenger has plans to sign Thomas Lemar in January (
Image:
AFP)

But according to Wenger, it was Lemar's choice to snub the Premier League club on Deadline Day, contradicting Vasilyev's claims.

Liverpool on the other hand were linked with the Frenchman towards the end of the transfer window, and according to reports also made a bid.

The Frenchman was apparently keen on a move to the Premier League (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)

Jurgen Klopp's side then signed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Premier League rivals Arsenal however, and the move seemingly fell through.

Speaking about the Lemar transfer saga, Monaco vice president told Russian outlet TASS: "It was not easy.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have been linked with the France international (
Image:
REUTERS)

"Thomas wanted to go to Arsenal and to Liverpool, but we had discussions and we took a communal decision so that he could stay here.

"He is a very important player for us. We could not have sold him, it would have affected the entire team and the individuals."

Lemar will remain with Monaco until at least January (
Image:
REUTERS)

Arsenal have plans to sign the 21-year-old again when the transfer window reopens in January.

Wenger told Telefoot: "Yes, we bid €100m for Lemar but the player wanted to stay in Monaco. Yes, we'll come back in for him."

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