L’Equipe: Euro giants a serious threat to Arsenal in race for 21-year-old attacker
By Aramide Oladipo
Spanish giants Barcelona have entered the race to sign AS Monaco attacking midfielder Thomas Lemar this summer, according to a report.
L’Equipe claims that the Catalan club have stepped up their interest 21-year-old in past few hours and they now pose a “serious” threat to Arsenal in their pursuit to secure his signature.
This follows up from the story in the same newspaper which claimed that the Frenchman had expressed his desire to move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
The French publication that the La Liga side believe that Lemar could be a perfect candidate to replace the outgoing Neymar as they look to change their tactics in the Brazilian’s absence.
The newspaper reports that the player himself is fully aware that a move to the Camp Nou could be a massive step in his young career but he remains patient and relaxed until an official move is made.
Fellow Premier Liverpool and Manchester City have also reportedly quickened up their interest in the France international.
Lemar currently has three years remaining on his contract with the Ligue 1 champions.
Football Insider verdict
As the summer transfer window drags on, this was always going to be an issue for Arsenal as more sides were going to step up their interest in the player. L’Equipe reports that the Gunners have already made three offers for Lemar but have still not managed to seal the deal which must be very frustrating for all parties involved. Arsenal supporters will surely be concerned with Barcelona entering the race as they have the funds available and they can offer the Frenchman the chance to play on a regular basis with Neymar out of the picture, not to mention a genuine chance of lifting the Champions League trophy. Arsenal need to make a statement and offer big money for Lemar to resolve this situation as soon as possible.
In other Arsenal transfer news, the Gunners have confirmed that this South American player has left the Emirates to join a La Liga side.
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