Thomas Lemar: Arsenal and Liverpool boosted as Bayern Munich pull out of race
Gunners saw Monaco winger snub a £92m British transfer record bid on deadline day after Reds had two bids rejected
Sponsored by
BAYERN MUNICH have reportedly pulled out of the the race to sign Thomas Lemar - leaving Arsenal and Liverpool a clear run at the Monaco winger.
The Gunners thought they had Lemar in the bag on deadline day after seeing the French club accept a British transfer record bid of £92million.
But Lemar snubbed the move, claiming he did not want to play in the Europa League.
Reds tabled two bids, including a second of £65m two days earlier, but saw both rejected before they signed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for £35m.
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has since said the player was happy to join either club.
And both Premier League clubs' chances of signing the player have improved with Bayern deciding against following up their interest.
BET £10 GET A FREE £30 BET WITH SUN BETS
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
Reports in Germany claim Bayern chief Hasan Salihamidzic has privately confirmed that the German champions were interested before the transfer deadline.
But they pulled out of the race because Salihamidzic had only seen YouTube footage of the France ace and did not want to meet Monaco's hefty valuation.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has said Arsenal will make another record bid for Lemar in January.
'UNJUSTIFIED' Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hits back at Troy Deeney after Watford captain aimed ‘cajones’ jibe
And when asked if he would make a second attempt during the January transfer window he replied, "Yes. He is a player who is always available on the pitch.
"It's when you realise that he's always ready to receive the ball and he's a very complete, balanced player who can defend."
MOST READ IN SPORT