Arsenal were keen to splash the cash on Thomas Lemar as Mikel Arteta eyed fresh faces up-wide in January. The Gunners were ‘close’ to signing the French international from Atlético Madrid & the North-London side could be presented with yet another opportunity to land Lemar cometh the summer.
That’s according to Spanish news outlet Marca, the Frenchman has been ‘chosen’ as the player Atletico are looking to sell this summer to generate some cash. As with global pandemic decimating budgets across clubs around Europe, the Reds from Madrid are particularly planning something of an overhaul to get some finance flowing.
And Thomas Lemar is leading the departure list, with the 24-year-old struggling to find his feet running since arriving in Spanish capital in a deal believed to be worth around £63m, from Monaco in 2018. Lemar has managed only three goals & six assists in 67 appearances for Diego Simone’s side.
And Atletico would be happy to watch him out this summer, with Premier League a ‘possible destination’ for Thomas.
The Gunners have long been linked with a move for Thomas Lemar, and according to Marca were close to have the move over the line in January, and could be interested in the summer again – although whether Arsenal would be willing to pay Atleti’s asking price is yet debatable.
Atletico Madrid would be determined to recuperate as much of what they paid when they brought him Monaco, and with finances reportedly tight at Arsenal, they may struggle to match those big cheque desires.
