L’Equipe have a recap on Thomas Lemar to Arsenal in their Saturday edition.
Whenever they do this it always ends up as a big story in England, but it’s worth looking at exactly what they have said, because it’s usually much less exciting than it’s then twisted to be.
The French newspaper say that if Alexis Sanchez leaves Arsenal this winter, Lemar will be the club’s number one priority to replace him.
Arsene Wenger’s recent press conference comments not completely ruling an exit for Sanchez are covered, and seem to be at least part of the inspiration for the story.
Arsenal’s ‘several offers’ for Lemar last summer are gone over, with Wenger throwing in bids starting at €40m and ending at €100m.
Wenger planned to return for Lemar next summer but ‘the landscape has changed since’ because Monaco have been eliminated from European competition and therefore ‘could’ agree to sell the player in January.
Lemar’s contract ending in June 2020 is seen as a pressure on the timing of a sale, Monaco can’t wait forever.
Liverpool interest is also touched upon, and it’s assumed Arsenal are aware of the competition.
All in all, it’s just a recap, there’s nothing new.
