Arsenal may finally be able to fulfill Arsene Wenger's mission in the transfer market six-years ago, when he missed out on landing Thomas Lemar from AS Monaco. The attacking midfielder was subject to a £92million bid from the former manager back in 2017, which was turned down.
The France international stayed with Monaco for one more year, eventually making the switch to Atletico Madrid for £63million. The 27-year-old has been far from spectacular since, showing occasional glimpses of his ability, but only starting half of the La Liga side's games this season.
"Now, if Lemar can stay or not... we know that agents work in an exemplary way," Diego Simeone said on a potential exit in January. "Clubs work in terms of the needs of the clubs. But, as a footballer, every time he has been available, he's played a lot more than he hasn't played. His characteristics have always excited me. But he hasn't been able to live up to expectations."
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There's also uncertainty surrounding his contract situation, with reports last summer claiming that a new deal until 2027 had been agreed, but no confirmation of such an extension occurring. It means that Lemar could be available as a free transfer in the summer if his deal expires.
If that is the case, Mikel Arteta may be able to land a bargain signing by picking the midfielder up on a free, with the need for squad depth and quality for next season. It would finally allow Wenger's vision of the Frenchman in an Arsenal shirt to be fulfilled a whole six-years later.
Whether he would reach the potential that was set out remains to be seen, but at 27 years old, he could provide exactly what Arsenal need in the summer window.
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