Monaco’s Thomas Lemar looks set to leave Monaco after head coach Leonardo Jardim admitted he’ll struggle to keep the winger, with both Liverpool and Arsenal looking to secure his signature.
The Reds are on the lookout for a new midfielder having sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona this week. Lemar has attracted a lot of attention with his performances, and nearly completed a move to Arsenal in the summer, before the move eventually broke down.
The 22-year-old French international had previously been told by Monaco’s vice-president Vadim Vasilyev he was not allowed to leave mid-season, but it’s looking increasingly likely the winger will leave during the January transfer window.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Jardim said: “We are not used to selling in the winter, but the transfer window lasts until the end of the month and many things can happen.”
Monaco, currently second in the Ligue 1 table, lost key men Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy last season and have stressed they do not wish to sell Lemar, but a large bid may be too good to refuse.
SFR Sport's @Tanziloic on Thomas Lemar & Arsenal: "He is their priority to replace Alexis Sanchez... Monaco are not totally against the idea of an offer this month, but it would have to be a very big offer... I am told that Liverpool wouldn't make a big offer."
— Get French Football (@GFFN) January 8, 2018
Both Jurgen Klopp and Arsene Wenger are looking to strengthen their squads, with The Reds looking to replace Coutinho, and while Arsenal look to cover Alexis Sanchez who looks destined to switch to Manchester City.
Lemar has been included in Monaco’s squad for Tuesday’s Coupe de la Ligue quarter-final at Nice.
