ARSENAL have reportedly called on super-agent Jorge Mendes to help them get a deal to sign Thomas Lemar from Atletico Madrid over the line.
The Gunners face competition from North London rivals Tottenham for the Frenchman’s signature – with both sides looking to improve their squads having endured an awful first half of the season.
Lemar has only started nine of Atletico’s 18 La Liga matches this seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
Lemar was signed by Diego Simeone’s side for £63million in 2018 after a blistering spell with Monaco in Ligue 1.
But the French World Cup winner has fallen out of favour at the Wanda Metropolitano, having started just nine of their 18 La Liga matches so far this season.
And this has led to renewed interest from North London – with both Spurs and Arsenal having been sniffing around the 24-year-old before he opted to join Atletico.
According to Marca, Mendes is the Gunners’ “most trusted agent”, and they are relying on his help to get a deal done.
Lemar has remained on Arsenal’s radar since moving to Atletico – but how a deal could be structured is unknown at this stage – with the budget restraints the club have in place.
Especially with new boss Mikel Arteta having outlined the club’s need for a new defender, after Calum Chambers picked up a devastating ACL injury.
The Spaniard said: “It’s a bad injury and that has changed our plans at the back. So we’ll try to look in the transfer market for options to strengthen the team.”
As for Spurs’ pursuit of Lemar, Foot Mercato claim that Jose Mourinho’s side hope to complete a loan deal for the attacker, with an option to purchase him at the end of the season.
Lemar scored against Spurs in the Champions League for MonacoCredit: PA:Press Association
The Lilywhites don’t currently have the funds to buy the player outright – but the situation could change depending on potential departures this month.
Christian Eriksen could complete a permanent move to Inter Milan – while the likes of Victor Wanyama, Jan Vertonghen, Juan Foyth and Kyle Walker-Peters could leave.
It is also not yet known whether Spurs will opt to exercise their option to buy Giovani Lo Celso permanently from Real Betis this month.
How Arsenal could line up with Thomas Lemar as Arteta considers transfer for Atletico Madrid flop
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
