“He’s a top player” – Club chief discusses Arsenal offer, and hints at transfer after World Cup

AS Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has backed up claims Arsenal made a €100m bid for Thomas Lemar last summer.

The Gunners had Alexis Sanchez, who had set his sights on reuniting with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Chilean international’s move to the Etihad collapsed on deadline day because the north London club failed to sign Lemar from Monaco. Sanchez left Arsenal and joined Manchester United in January.

Arsenal were not the only club interested in Lemar. Liverpool were also looking at the option of signing the 22-year-old. Vasilyev revealed the English capital club’s bid came too late in the transfer window (deadline day), but admitted it was “difficult” to turn down the offer.

“Arsenal made a €100m bid. I felt that we could not afford to let a player so important leave on the last day of the [2017] summer transfer window… it was difficult to refuse their offer,” Vasilyev told RMC Sport.

Lemar scored two goals and registered eight assists in the Ligue 1 for Monaco in the 2017/18 season. Didier Deschamps selected him in the France squad for the 2018 World Cup. Vasilyev stressed he will “discuss” the price tag after the Fifa tournament in Russia.

“He is a top player. I am convinced that he will shine at World cup. And then, we shall discuss the price,” Monaco vice-president said.

It’s unlikely Arsenal would offer €100m for the player again and after a season which wasn’t quite as good as expected, Lemar will have to perform well in Russia for that figure to be met.