Thomas Lemar to Arsenal: Arsene Wenger gives up on deal for Monaco star

ARSENAL have given up in their pursuit of Thomas Lemar.

Monaco's president says Thomas Lemar will not be sold

The Monaco winger was the Gunners number one target for the summer following the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.

Arsene Wenger wanted the 21-year-old France star to add another layer to his new-look attack alongside Lacazette.

But the Mail on Sunday claim Wenger has given up on doing a deal this summer and will instead concentrate on trimming his squad during the remainder of the transfer window.

Wenger believes that Monaco will not sell Lemar - even if Kylian Mbappe does stay - after their huge exodus this summer.

It is said Arsenal are now unlikely to make any further signings to add to Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac who joined earlier in the window.

Thomas LemarGETTY

Arsenal have given up on Thomas Lemar

Target Thomas Lemar's stunning Monaco highlight reel

Missing out on Lemar makes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez more important to Wenger - and the French boss will try and work out how to keep all three beyond August 31.

Arsenal are confident Ozil will sign a new deal and have told Sanchez he’s going nowhere, making a free transfer next summer the most likely outcome.

But there is concern over Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future with Chelsea and Liverpool keen on the England midfielder.

Thomas LemarGETTY

Thomas Lemar has started the season with Monaco in France

Wenger will now look to move a number of squad players on including Lucas Perez, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson, Joel Campbell and Lucas Perez.

Gibbs was close to a move to Watford before it broke down over wage demands, while Perez is wanted by Newcastle.

Rafa Benitez is also reportedly keen on a move for Jack Wilshere who was not included in the Arsenal squad for the win over Leicester.

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