The transfer ban on Chelsea has been lifted, and the club are expected to make a few additions to their squad before the end of this transfer window.
There are a number of players Frank Lampard has eyes on, but a report from Standard has now revealed that the Blues have been offered a chance to sign highly-rated attacker Thomas Lemar from Atletico Madrid.
The story claims that Lemar is available for a loan till the end of the season at £5million, with an option to make the deal permanent at £50million.
Is he a player that can improve this Chelsea side?
Thomas Lemar – Profile
Having first announced himself to French football with Cean, Lemar moved to AS Monaco in 2015 and was a crucial part of the side that won the league title in 2017, ahead of much-fancied rivals PSG.
He registered nine goals and 10 assists in 28 league starts, a run of form he has failed to show since then. The 24-year-old spent another year in France, showing signs of quality and was snapped up by Atletico Madrid, amid interest from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, back in 2018.
But ever since his move to the Spanish capital, Lemar has struggled for consistency and has struggled in Europe and domestically. He has just three goals and six assists in 64 games for the La Liga side, who are now happy to let him leave.
An attacking winger with impeccable touch and dribbling abilities, Lemar is an excellent playmaker, whose forte is creating chances for his side.
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He does not shy away from testing the ‘keeper or putting crosses in but he is at his best when cutting inside and setting up chances for his teammates. He is strong in hold up play, can take on defenders with ease and is also an asset over a dead-ball, all qualities that he has already shown at the highest level in France.
Lemar has also shown his versatility, playing in more than one role for the Spanish giants, which makes him that much more of an asset.
The Frenchman may not be a regular in the first team, but he has 22 caps for the French national side and is an experienced campaigner, who could be a decent fit for a side in England.
Is Thomas Lemar the right option for Chelsea?
Lemar was rated at around £90million just a couple of years ago and the drastic drop in his value does not make for a good reading.
However, his potential and quality is undeniable, and a regular place in the first team at Chelsea could certainly bring some of his old form back.
Lampard has Willian and Pedro as senior wingers at the club while Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi bring in youthful exuberance on the flanks.
While Pedro and Willian are not long-term options, Hudson-Odoi and Pulisic are inexperienced and have not been consistent enough.
At £50million, he is certainly a player worth taking the risk as at just 24, he has a lot of time to improve and could fetch a similar amount if sold, even if he does not set the league on fire.
He may not be a player Lampard needs right away but with a chance to snap him up, right on the table, Chelsea may be well advised to get this deal done.