Liverpool and Arsenal will renew their rivalry for the signature of AS Monaco forward Thomas Lemar in the summer, according to reports. Both clubs have been linked with the midfielder but he looks set to stay put at Monaco this month, with a series of clubs keen on his signature at the end of the season.
Liverpool were linked with Monaco winger Lemar after selling Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona at the start of this month. However, the Reds opted against making a move, with Jurgen Klopp currently satisfied with his attacking options.
The Daily Mail report that Liverpool have their heart set on Lemar but are likely to wait until the end of the season to make their move. Lemar, who has scored twice in 16 Ligue 1 appearances so far this term, is expected to leave Monaco in the summer. The 22-year-old seems to prefer a move to England rather than Spain as he looks for a transfer away from Ligue 1.
Should he impress at the World Cup in Russia, then he will find his value soar up. As a result, teams such as Liverpool and Arsenal are likely to try and wrap up any deal before the biggest sporting event commences. However, speaking at the start of the month, Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim insisted Lemar would be staying put at Monaco until the summer.
“Monaco are not in the habit of making big sales in the winter. It’s our strategy,” Jardim told reporters, as quoted by Express. “The players understand and they know how it goes here.”
Lemar was a key part of the Monaco side that stunned Paris Saint-Germain to win the Ligue 1 title last season. The 22-year-old attacker contributed 11 goals and 12 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions last term, as Monaco lifted the Ligue 1 title.
Estimated to be valued at £90million, Lemar will certainly not come cheap. While he does seem like a practical option, many are of the opinion that his price tag might just be a bit too high. To be very honest, after what he displayed last season, he has been largely underwhelming this campaign.
That said, we cannot deny that he has talent. He has tremendous potential and sheer attacking skills which make him a valuable player to have in the team. It remains to be seen whether Klopp is willing to shell out big money on Lemar to lure him to Anfield in the summer.
