If you consider this winter transfer session, Arsenal had a very busy January with lots of events. They off-loaded Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United in a swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Not only that. They picked up the Gabon striker Aubameyang and succeed in extending the ‘Ozil deal’.
Maybe this is not the end. Arsenal spent the rest of the month searching for his replacement of Sanchez and Lemar was earmarked as a potential candidate.
Though they faced tough competition from Liverpool, who sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for £142m and have enough cash in their bank. The Gunners opened secret negotiations with Monaco in a bid to bring Lemar to the Premier League.
According to the sources, Wenger told the club’s executive box holders at an exclusive Q&A that time ran out on a deal for the 22-year-old.
But after all, his intentions never diverted from securing the services of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and they achieved him on the deadline day.
Aubameyang completed a £55m move from Borussia Dortmund. The Gunners’ fans could have been cherishing a back to back success if they could finish Lemar transfer. Star German Midfielder Mesut Ozil also committed his future to the club as he put pen to paper on a long-term deal.
Thomas Lemar, who played the pivotal role in helping his side pass ahead of Paris Saint-Germain to the Ligue 1 title as well as reaching the Champions League semi-final last season, will be a tailor-made fit at the Emirates
In fact, his move to Emirates got almost confirmation on deadline day in last summer’s transfer window but somehow never happened. Since then, it has revealed that negotiations broke down over a £88m deal that also scuppered Manchester City’s £60m moves for Alexis Sanchez.
Now as the Chilean winger is at Manchester United, it’s expected that Arsene Wenger, who has been a huge admirer in Lemar will again attempt a move for his compatriot this summer.
Where Arsenal is desperate about Lemar, Liverpool is not far enough. According to some rumours, they reached to an agreement with Lemar to bring the winger to Anfield in the summer, with the only sticking point being Monaco’s valuation of €100m (£87m).
Although this one got no physical valuation as according to a Liverpool based news journal,Jurgen Klopp has cooled his interest in the 22-year-old as the ‘£90 million fee’ would be too much for the French international. They can have someone better in that money. The recruitment team along with Klopp believe that there are many others in that position who will be available this summer and are more suited to what the team requires.
Arsenal remains at 6th position in the Premier League after today’s loss in London Derby. An extraordinary Harry Kane header finished the game for them. Dier and Eriksen were also impressive in the midfield. Though it was a tough fight at Wembley and Arsenal could finish in the winning side if they could convert the chances. Maybe all they needed a Ramsey!
