Arsenal, after being linked with Monaco’s sensational forward Kylian Mbappe, reportedly have their eyes on winger Thomas Lemar.
The Gunners apparently made a bid of €35m for Lemar but Monaco have turned down their offer as they have reiterated once again their unwillingness to sell their young winger.
The 21-year old is contract bound at Stade Louis II till 2020 and had been a key figure for the Ligue 1 champions last season.
Lemar’s open appreciation of Wenger and his willingness to play under him anything could be possible, but for that Arsenal would undoubtedly have to launch a mammoth bid for the player.
For the time being, let us look on the stats and see what Wenger could lose if he fails to bring this prospect to the Emirates.
Player stats
The player had featured 51 times for the Ligue 1 champions last season, 41 of them being first team starts. It exemplifies the significance the Frenchman had in the Red and White of Monaco.
The eccentric winger scored 14 goals and created 14 more in all competitions for his club last season. The winger is gifted with creativity and exquisite vision that makes him a lethal attacking option upfront.
The young Frenchman also maintained a pass success rate of 82.9% making a stunning 98 key passes for his team. At such a young age the player has dazzled and destroyed defences with his attacking prowess up front. With such high potential at such a tender age, one could very well imagine the prospect he could be for any club in the long run.
He also made an impressive 40 interceptions for his club, highlighting his defensive ability when his team doesn’t have the ball. (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the club?
In today’s modern footballing world, Thomas Lemar is a winger that any club in the world could desire for or rather dream of having. Instilled with superb skills and talents at such a tender age, he would no doubt be a long-term prospect at the Emirates and Wenger would sign his compatriot as his sole dependency on his Chilean forward, Alexis Sanchez for goals and creativity would drastically reduce.
With the ability to contribute as well as create and even track to give added defensive cover, there is very little more which could be asked for from the individual.
The Gunners have money to spend and having signed a two-year extension, Wenger should target signing young and talented players like Lemar who can hit the ground running.
