Arsenal are keen on signing Atletico Madrid winger Thomas Lemar in the upcoming transfer window, as per reports.
The Frenchman is apparently expected to leave the Spanish club, and the Gunners could make a move for him in January to bolster their attack.
As per AS (via Mirror Football) however, Arsenal will have to make a big offer to secure the signing of Lemar.
The World Cup winner has been with Atletico Madrid for the last two seasons, but has been a bit-part player at the club.
He has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, but he hasn’t yet got on the scoresheet or registered an assist for the club.
Lemar’s contract with the Spanish club expires in 2023. He joined the club from AS Monaco for around €60 million, and has made 58 appearances so far.
Should Arsenal spend big on Thomas Lemar?
Arsenal need to rebuild under their newly appointed manager Mikel Arteta, and they need quite a few fresh faces to improve the overall quality of their squad.
One position where the Gunners need at least one quality player is out wide as they don’t have many good wingers.
Lemar could be a very good addition as the north London club don’t have a wide left player who can cause problems to opposition defences. Lemar can play on either wing, while also having the ability to play as a No. 10.
The Frenchman is a skilful dribbler who can drift from the wide areas into central areas, and is also technically good to put in crosses from the wider areas.
The 24-year-old could be used on the left side of attack instead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has been used on the left when Alexandre Lacazette has played up top. Aubameyang is better as a central striker with his movement and pace, rather than on the left.
Lemar’s delivery and direct running could result in a great partnership with Aubameyang, and the Gunners could be deadly on the counter-attack.
The Gunners need new signings in defence and central midfield, but the left side of attack is another area where they are lacking a quality player, which is why they must go all out to sign Lemar.
The Frenchman is still just 24 years of age, and if he can recreate the form he showed with Monaco, Arsenal’s would reap the benefits.