Transfer News: Arsenal submit third bid of £50 million for AS Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar

Arsenal have reportedly submitted a third offer worth £50 million as they pursue a deal for AS Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar

According to a report by Daily Mail, Arsenal are determined to sign Thomas Lemar this summer and have tabled a third bid of £50 million for him. The Gunners have already had two offers – the previous one worth about £45 million – rebuffed by the Ligue 1 champions, but that has not deterred manager Arsene Wenger.

After a scintillating season, Monaco’s players fell prey to a slew of big names. But, the French club are understood to be reluctant to part ways with Lemar and have insisted that he is not for sale. However, that has not stopped Arsenal in their attempt to land the 21-year-old.

Lemar joined Monaco in a £3.4 million deal from Caen two years ago, and enjoyed a stellar campaign under Leonardo Jardim in what was his second season at Stade Louis II. The Frenchman played a pivotal role in Monaco’s emphatic Ligue 1 victory as well as their Champions League run which lasted till the semi-finals.

In 28 Ligue 1 appearances last season, Lemar bagged nine goals and ten assists. He shone for Monaco in the Champions League as well, with two goals and four assists in nine games. For a youngster like him, such numbers speak volumes about the amount of potential he possesses.

Arsenal’s interest in him could be an enticing prospect for the youngster, considering the proven track record that Arsene Wenger boasts in grooming attacking players. Having said that, the Gunners will not be able to provide Champions League football next season so that could be a deal-breaker.

If the deal does go through, Lemar has a lot of potential and can be shaped into a lethal midfielder under Wenger’s watchful eye. Hence, Arsenal will hope their latest attempt will be enough to secure a deal for Lemar, even as it was earlier reported that they have agreed on personal terms.

Essentially, signing Lemar could pave the way for Alexis Sanchez to leave the Gunners since the young Frenchman can act as a replacement. Wenger, however, has maintained that Sanchez is not for sale this summer so Lemar is likely to work with the Chilean superstar which can only benefit him and the club.