Arsenal and Everton are reportedly linked with Thomas Lemar, who could be available for a transfer away from Atletico Madrid this summer.
According to L’Equipe, Thomas Lemar has been offered to Arsenal and Everton as the French midfielder remains in a dilemma over his long-term future at Atletico Madrid. The 26-year-old has a year left on his deal, and a move to the Premier League could be tempting for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, although neither Arsenal nor Everton are interested in signing him.
Thomas Lemar got into the spotlight a few years ago when Arsenal were linked with an incredible move for around £90 million. On deadline day of the 2017 summer transfer window, the Gunners meant to sign the then-AS Monaco star but refrained from making an offer.
Lemar moved to Atletico Madrid a year later for a fee of over £64 million. Currently, he is not an undisputed starter under Diego Simeone, who could consider selling him in this window. The 26-year-old has had limited impact at the Wanda Metropolitano, although he played a key role in their La Liga title triumph in the 2020/21 season.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has a year left on his contract with Atletico Madrid, and despite being offered a new four-year deal, he is at a crossroads in his career, as he has been offered to Premier League clubs Arsenal and Everton.
Atletico Madrid have offered a four-year deal to Lemar while including a 50 per cent pay cut on his current salary. At first, Lemar considered signing it as there was hardly any interest in him. However, the 26-year-old midfielder has been offered to Arsenal and Everton, which could offer him an alternate career route.
The story could be speculation from the French media, considering both Premier League clubs are searching for a new midfielder. Arsenal have been linked with various names, including Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Lucas Paqueta, Youri Tielemans, and Arthur Melo.
It is highly doubtful Arsenal hold any possible interest in Lemar, although they are likely to sign a new midfielder in time for the new season. However, Everton could look hard at the opportunity and consider approaching Atletico Madrid for the 26-year-old.
The Toffees are cash strapped and are scouring the market for bargain deals. After signing James Tarkowski on a free transfer, Frank Lampard continues to ask for attackers and midfielders. Reports have linked Everton with a few players, including an ambitious move for Conor Gallagher.
The Chelsea playmaker could be out of reach for Everton, considering his potential price tag, among other things. But Lemar could be an interesting option if he is available at the right price. Atletico Madrid are already looking at options to replace the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, which could signal their intention to sell the Frenchman.
As things stand, there are no offers for Lemar from either Arsenal or Everton. And the report suggests he could be seriously considering signing the new contract put forward by Atletico Madrid, with neither Premier League outfit considering the offer to sign the 26-year-old.
