Arsenal boosted in chase for Thomas Lemar as ace tells Monaco he wants to join Gunners this summer
THOMAS LEMAR has told Monaco he wants to join Arsenal, according to reports in France.
The Gunners have been chasing the talented 21-year-old all summer after being priced out of a move for Lemar's team-mate Kylian Mbappe.
And fans of the North London outfit will be delighted to hear that the midfielder wants out at Monaco - with the French champions already lining up his replacement.
The club are making moves for Rachid Ghezzal, who is available on a free transfer after being released by Lyon.
But if Lemar exits the Principality, it will be another exit that won't go down too well with their fans.
Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva have made big-money moves to Manchester City, while Tiemoue Bakayoko joined Chelsea.
And with Mbappe still being courted by a whole host of clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, Monaco's force has certainly being weakened.
But Arsenal have some work to do before they can move in for £45m-rated Lemar.
Arsenal Transfer News
At least seven Gunners players have been put on the market this summer by the Arsene Wenger after already splashing £44million on Alexandre Lacazette.
Jack Wilshere, David Ospina, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson, Lucas Perez, Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy may all need to leave the club in order for a deal for Lemar to go through.
All players have been linked with moves away from the Emirates this summer, but are yet to leave.
So far, Wenger has only been able to sell Wojciech Szczesny – as he left for Juventus following a two-year loan stint at Serie A side Roma.
Thomas Lemar: The Guadeloupe-born Monaco star Arsenal want
- Thomas Lemar was born in Baie-Mahault, Guadeloupe, on 12 November 1995
- The winger began his youth career at Solidarite Scolaire before joining Caen in 2010.
- In 2013 he broke into the first team at Caen, before Monaco snapped him up in 2015.
- The 21-year-old is rated highly by the national team and has played for the U17s, U18s, U19s, U20s and U21s before appearing in the senior side.
- He made his France debut in 15 November in 2016 after appearing as a sub in a 0-0 friendly against the Ivory Coast.
- Lemar won his first piece of silverware with Monaco last season after they were crowned Ligue 1 champions.
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Now, with news that Barcelona are set to sign Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho – despite a second, world-record £89.5m bid being rejected – Arsenal face more issues.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has now entered the race for Monaco star Lemar and could have plenty of funds to play with should their “Little Magician” leave.
