According to reports in The Mirror, Arsenal have been told they must pay £80m if they want to sign Monaco winger Thomas Lemar this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is looking to strengthen his squad this summer and he is on the verge of signing Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette in a £45m deal, which could rise to £52m with add-ons.
Next on his list, according to The Mirror, is a winger and he is plotting a move for Lemar, who is valued at £80m by the Ligue 1 champions because they don’t want to lose him this summer.
The Mirror says that a deal is now unlikely unless a compromise can be reached as the north London outfit aren’t willing to spend that much on the 21-year-old, and they could turn their attentions to Leicester City’s Mahrez.
However, the report adds that Arsenal have cooled their interest in Lemar’s teammate Kylian Mbappe and as a result they are hoping that the French outfit will ease up on their demands for the wide-man as a result.
How good was Lemar last season?
While Mbappe understandably stole the headlines, the 21-year-old was a hugely impressive performer on the left wing.
The France international ended the season with 14 goals and a further 17 assists in 55 appearances in all competitions as he helped Monaco win the Ligue 1 title and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
His pace, creativity and finishing ability will certainly have caught the attention of a number of scouts, including Arsenal’s.
Is he worth £80m?
While he enjoyed an impressive campaign for Monaco, he certainly isn’t worth anywhere near £80m.
However, such is the nature of transfer fees at the moment, the French side are able to ask for that price as they want to keep hold of one of their star players – and why shouldn’t they?
What’s the likely outcome?
Well, it could all depend on the future of Mbappe.
If the 18-year-old moves on to pastures new then Monaco will certainly insist that Lemar stays, but they may be more willing to let Lemar leave later on in the transfer window if they receive a tempting offer – although it certainly won’t be one of £80m, especially from Arsenal.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, if Monaco are refusing to sell and Arsenal aren’t willing to pay £80m then a deal is dead in the water and the Gunners could go for Mahrez, which would seem to be a more realistic move.
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