That’s according to The Sunday Times’ Jonathan Northcroft, who expects Arsenal and a number of other clubs to battle it out for the Monaco man’s signature too.

Lemar shot to fame last season as Leonardo Jardim’s side wrestled the Ligue 1 title away from Paris St-Germain and impressed in the Champions League.

And at the end of this summer’s transfer window Liverpool joined in the scramble to get him on-board with Philippe Coutinho’s future uncertain.

French publication L’Equipe reported on Friday that the Reds had upped their bid for the 21-year-old to £82m, excluding add-ons, as the deadline approached.

Jonathan Northcroft offered his insight on Liverpool's pursuit of Thomas Lemar on Twitter

However, that offer was turned down by Stade Louis II bosses and Lemar stayed with Monaco.

Northcroft has now had his say on Liverpool’s hopes of securing Lemar’s services in a year’s time.

Referencing a tweet regarding Lemar fancying an Anfield switch next summer, Northcroft wrote: "Problem: he might be too expensive for Liverpool by then.

Liverpool made a late summer move to sign Monaco and France star Thomas Lemar

"Expect Arsenal (and others) to rival them."

Having failed to tie up a deal for Lemar, Liverpool ended the summer with four signings.

Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Andrew Robertson and Dominic Solanke linked up with Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

An agreement was also struck with RB Leipzig for Naby Keita to join Liverpool next summer.