Thomas Lemar: Transfer news LIVE as Arsenal and Liverpool hopes are dashed

THOMAS LEMAR transfer news is flying around on deadline day as Liverpool and Barcelona battle for the Monaco star, who is also on Arsenal's radar - stay with us for all the live updates.

Thomas Lemar skies shot and takes shockingly bad free-kick

THOMAS LEMAR TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona all want deal

Deadline Day

Ornstein: Thomas Lemar told Arsenal he'd join

21:00: Thomas Lemar told Arsenal this summer that he wanted to join them, BBC reporter David Ornstein claims.

“Perhaps it’s quite confusing to a player who was being chased by Arsenal in the summer and it’s our understanding that he did say he would join Arsenal,” Ornstein said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“He was prepared to make the move. But when that interest ended, it was almost like it was put to bed. And on the final day of the window, you’re possibly back on. 

“So, how does that affect your mindset as a player?”

Lemar hopes dashed

19:10: Arsenal and Liverpool’s chances of signing Thomas Lemar appear to be over after he was named in the France side to face Holland tonight.

The World Cup qualifier kicks off in Paris at 7.45pm tonight meaning interested clubs would have very little time to get a deal over the line.

The transfer window slams shut in England at 11pm.

It was claimed Arsenal offered as much as £92million for France international Lemar but Express Sport understands the Gunners are now not expecting to get the deal over the line.

THE FRANCE TEAM TO FACE HOLLAND: Lloris, Sidibe, Koscielny, Umtiti, Kurzawa, Coman, Pogba, Kante, Lemar, Giroud, Griezmann.

Thomas Lemar transfer news: The Monaco star said he'd join Arsene Wenger at the EmiratesPA

Thomas Lemar transfer news: The Monaco star said he'd join Arsene Wenger at the Emirates

Sanchez STAYS, Lemar deal OFF

17:15: This is getting ridiculous now.

Arsenal are sensationally set to retain Alexis Sanchez after failing to agree a fee with Monaco for Thomas Lemar.

Manchester City have been trying all day to get a deal for Sanchez over the line.

Arsenal have even been preparing for his departure by attempting to land Monaco winger Thomas Lemar.

But the Guardian say a move from the Emirates to the Etihad is now OFF for Sanchez.

In a stunning turn of events, it is said that Arsenal will now retain the Chile international after talks over a move for Lemar broke down.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague added: “As it stands, Arsenal pull out of Lemar negotiations. So Alexis, much to his pain, stays.”

Monaco ace wants Liverpool

16:50: Arsenal have agreed a £90million deal for Thomas Lemar but the Monaco star wants to join Liverpool.

That is according to French football expert Matt Spiro.

He tweeted: “Monaco accept #Arsenal's £90m bid for Thomas Lemar. However am told player would rather join #Liverpool.”

Arsenal offer accepted - claims

16:40: The Sun claim that Monaco have agreed to sell Thomas Lemar for £92million to Arsenal.

The Gunners have been looking for a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who will be allowed to join Manchester City in a £55million deal.

£92million Thomas Lemar bid

16:15: Arsenal have submitted a £92million deal for Monaco superstar Thomas Lemar.

Sky Sports claim the Gunners haven’t responded to Manchester City’s £55m bid for Alexis Sanchez because they’re busy trying to secure his replacement.

It’s understood that Monaco are ‘softening’ to the idea of selling their talented Frenchman having previously refused to do business.

However, if the Ligue 1 champions snub the offer, Arsenal won’t sell Sanchez.

Lemar is due to play for France this evening in a crucial World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands.

Lemar no longer 50/50

15:50: Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar is now odds-on (4/6) to join Arsenal today, according to bookmaker Paddy Power.

It seems that the Gunners are finally ready to let Alexis Sanchez leave, with the Chilean now a very short price (1/5) to join Man City before the close of the deadline day window.

German playmaker Julian Draxler, who PSG are keen to sell, is an alternative option (5/4), but Arsene Wenger appears to have prioritised signing his compatriot.

Wenger spotted in Paris!

15:40: Now this is classic deadline day news.

Arsene Wenger has been spotted in Paris, and that’s sending Twitter into absolute meltdown.

Many are questioning why the Frenchman is there with some suspecting he’s there to conclude a deal for Thomas Lemar.

However, I think it’s far more likely Wenger’s in Paris to watch tonight’s World Cup qualifier between France and Holland…

Thompson: Sign Lemar if Coutinho leaves

14:50: Liverpool should challenge Arsenal for Thomas Lemar’s signature if Philippe Coutinho leaves, according to Phil Thompson.

Thompson told Sky Sports: “The club have always maintained the stance that Philippe Coutinho’s going nowhere and quite right because they didn’t have enough time to get somebody in of a similar quality.

“Is anybody as good as Coutinho at the moment? Thomas Lemar fits that bill.

“He’s left-sided, very skilful, more offensive and quick. All of those qualities fit Jurgen Klopp’s bill. If Lemar was to come in, Liverpool would allow Coutinho to go. If Lemar doesn’t come, then Coutinho stays at least for 12 months.”

Lemar deal possible

14:15: Arsenal could still land Thomas Lemar from Monaco this summer, according to French football expert Julian Laurens.

Arsenal are trying to sign the France star as Alexis Sanchez edges closer to a move to Manchester City.

City have bid £55m plus £5m in add ons for the Chile star but Arsenal will only sell if they can secure a replacement.

And Laurens thinks it could be Lemar but says they’d need to pay around £78m.

“Yes, I think so,” Laurens said on talkSPORT when asked if Arsenal could get their man.

“If Arsenal put a lot of money down on the table, it’s a player that they’ve chased all summer, that Arsene Wenger absolutely loves. Now he would probably have to pay 80-85million euros.”

Thomas Lemar transfer news live Liverpool BarcaGETTY

Thomas Lemar transfer news: Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona want the France star

City submit second Sanchez bid, Arsenal want Lemar

13:40: There’s a major deal in the pipeline, according to Sky Sports journalist Guillem Balague.

Balague claims Manchester City have made a second offer of £55million plus a further £5m in performance-related add-ons.

It’s believed that Arsenal have asked for more time locate a replacement in the shape of Monaco superstar Thomas Lemar.

Balague tweeted: “Alexis close to sign for City for £55m + £5m. Arsenal asked for few hours to sign Thomas Lemar, which they confident they are going to do.”

Coutinho/Van Dijk/Lemar update

09:20: Sky Sports presenter Vinny O’Connor has provided an update from Liverpool’s Melwood training facility.

O’Connor claims Liverpool’s interest in Thomas Lemar remains as strong as ever, while Divock Origi looks likely to join Wolfsburg on a season-long loan.

He said: “At the very least we expect Liverpool to announce one deal today with a fee having been agreed with Arsenal for Oxlade-Chamberlain.

“We also expect the futures of Coutinho and Van Dijk to become clearer today, while they retain an interest in Monaco winger Lemar.

“Origi now looks on his way to Wolfsburg, who are prepared to pay his £6m loan fee and another possible departure today is Sakho, who could well get a permanent move to Palace.”

Barca happy to wait

07:50: Barcelona are awaiting the outcome of Liverpool’s meeting with Monaco today regarding Thomas Lemar to decide on how they approach their transfer dealings.

Liverpool are hoping to wrap up a deal for France midfielder Lemar today and Spanish publication Sport claim the two clubs are in negotiations over his transfer.

The Reds may need to fork out up to £92million to convince Monaco to sell though.

Should Liverpool sign Lemar, and with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set to join from Arsenal, the Merseyside outfit could finally decide to cash in on Coutinho.

Barca have been chasing the Brazilian all summer but Liverpool have so far rejected their advances.

But Sport suggest Liverpool will allow Coutinho to leave if their meeting with Monaco over Lemar results in a positive outcome.

Ox may spoil Lemar deal

07:35: Liverpool’s imminent signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could seriously impact on their pursuit of Thomas Lemar.

The Mirror claim Liverpool turned their attentions to Arsenal's versatile midfielder after negotiations with Monaco proved difficult.

It adds that Barcelona could prove the biggest threat with Lemar considered their top alternative to Philippe Coutinho.

£92m would be enough for Lemar - Solhekol

06:50: Monaco concede they could sell Thomas Lemar if a bid of £92million is tabled, according to Kaveh Solhekol.

Divock Origi has reportedly been offered to Monaco in a loan deal and the Anfield outfit are prepared to pay £74.4m for Lemar’s services.

But Sky Sports reporter Solhekol admits Monaco would struggle to reject a bid of £92m if it were tabled.

“Monaco say Liverpool target Thomas Lemar not for sale,” he tweeted.

“Every player has his price. Told Monaco would find it hard to turn down €100m (£92m).”

Liverpool and Barcelona Lemar battle

05:30: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said a move for Lemar was "dead" earlier this summer and that Monaco wouldn't sell.

Yet both Liverpool and Barcelona believe they can get the player.

Both sides want him as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho.

Liverpool made a £64.5m bid for Lemar, who is their top target to replace Coutinho if the Brazilian joins Barcelona.

And Barca want Lemar in case Coutinho never turns up at the Nou Camp!

Monaco are holding on for as much money as possible but they are likely to sell if the bidding goes higher than £80m.

Monaco's fire sale

05:15: Monaco's Ligue 1 title winning team from last season has been dismantled in this transfer window.

Tiemoue Bakayoko, Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy have all headed to the Premier League.

Their wonderkid Kylian Mbappe is also set to agree a £168m move to Paris Saint-Germain.

And now Lemar could be on his way out.

If Mbappe and Lemar leave as expected on deadline day it would take Monaco's income from player sales this summer to over €500m.

Welcome

05:10: Welcome to our Thomas Lemar transfer news live blog on deadline day. We're tracking the Monaco player's movements as he edges closer to his exit, with Liverpool and Barcelona both.

Arsenal are also keen on Lemar but seem unwilling to match Monaco's valuation.

However, that could all change if Alexis Sanchez forces through a move away from the Emirates, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also set to leave.

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