Arsenal braced for Thomas Lemar fight as Barcelona join chase for Monaco’s French winger
Spanish giants plotting move for Gunners target as they look to spend Neymar transfer funds
BARCELONA have reportedly entered the race to sign Arsenal target Thomas Lemar from Monaco.
The French winger is Arsene Wenger’s No1 target as he continues to try and bolster his squad ahead of the season.
But the Mirror claim that La Liga giants Barca have now joined the chase for the 21-year-old.
Ligue 1 champions Monaco have already rejected at least two bids from the Gunners this summer.
Fellow Premier League sides Liverpool and Manchester City are also believed to hold an interest in the attacker.
Wenger is readying upping his offer to £50million to try and tempt Lemar’s employers into selling.
However, Barcelona could be plotting a big-money move to bring the international to the Nou Camp.
And Monaco know that the Catalans are able to outbid any of their rivals.
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Although they are desperate to keep hold of Lemar, Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim admits he could still leave.
He said on Friday: “It is not always possible to keep hold of your players.”
Lemar is able to play on either flank and impressed with his performances during last year’s title-winning campaign.
He and his team-mates romped to the title and made it into the semi-finals of the Champions League.
His efforts were also recognised at international level and he has gone on to win five caps so far.
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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