Liverpool And Barcelona To Battle Gunners For Thomas Lemar

Arsenal will reportedly have a battle on their hands to sign summer target ThomasLemar next year.

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev recently revealed that Arsenal came very close to signing the tricky winger in the closing stages of the transfer window.

The Gunners had a £90million bid accepted for Lemar in the closing stages of the summer window.

But the deal fell through at the last minute, leading to Arsenal keeping hold of Alexis Sanchez.

Both Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are set to leave the Emirates by the end of the season and reports have suggested theduo could depart in January if they receive the right offer.

Thomas Lemar scored twice for France on deadline day and Arsenal fans are furious with Arsene Wenger for failing to sign the Monaco man

And Arsene Wenger will reportedly return with another bid next summer, however they face heavy competition for his signature.

The Mirror claim both Liverpool and Barcelona are in the running to sign the 21-year-old.

Lemar played a pivotal role in Monaco’s title-winning campaign last year, scoring nine goals as well as providing 11 assists in the league.

But the report claims Arsenal remain confident they will be able to secure Lemar’s services ahead of their rivals.

He is one of the hottest properties in Europe right now though and the decision will ultimately lie with Lemar.

Speaking about Lemar last month, Vasilyev told Sky Sports: “Liverpool were really interested. But it was Arsenal that was really close to finalising the deal.

“It was quite close. At the same time it was just too late, not enough time to really follow up on this deal.”