Report: Arsenal eight-figure bid for 21-year-old rejected
By Aramide Oladipo
French champions Monaco have rejected a third offer from Arsenal for attacking midfielder Thomas Lemar, according to a report.
The Daily Mail claims that the Ligue 1 outfit have turned down a £50million bid for the 21-year-old and they are adamant that he is not for sale this summer.
This follows up from the story in the same newspaper which reported that the Gunners were preparing a huge bid in order to land the Frenchman as a replacement for talisman Alexis Sanchez.
The report claims that the winger is eager to ply his trade at the Emirates Stadium next season but with Monaco rejecting yet another offer, Arsenal are reportedly weighing up their next move.
Lemar was in sensational form last season, contributing with 14 goals and 17 assists in all competitions for Monaco.
The Frenchman’s performances helped the French outfit lift their first league title since 2000 and reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2004.
The winger’s contribution also earned him a place in the France national team where he has made a total of five international appearances over the past two years.
Lemar currently has three years remaining on his contract with Monaco.
Football Insider verdict
Arsenal must be applauded for the way they are pursuing Lemar this summer as the Gunners are doing everything within their power to attract one of the best talents in European football. Last season, Lemar demonstrated that he could make the difference both domestically and in Europe and the Gunners have been crying out for a player like that for a number of years. However, Monaco have made it very clear that they are not willing to sell the Frenchman at any price which means that Arsenal might need to turn their attention somewhere else. It is true that the Frenchman has the potential to be a superstar but would Arsene Wenger be willing to splash out more than £50million for a wide man when he already has a number of players in that position in the squad? It appears that the Gunners will have to wait until next season to step up their pursuit for the Frenchman.
In other Arsenal transfer news, the agent of a wantaway forward flew into London to hold talks with the Gunners over a transfer.
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