Arsenal are still some way off an agreement with Atletico Madrid over the transfer of Thomas Lemar, according to reports from France.
It was claimed on Spanish programme El Chiringuito on Friday that the French winger was close to an agreement with Arsenal.
However, French publication RMC has since claimed that any agreement between Lemar and Arsenal, or between the Gunners and Atletico, is “far from being ratified”.
Arsenal are thought to be leading the race to sign the 24-year-old France international, who has been a long-term target after the Gunners made a bid for him while he was at Monaco in 2017.
He joined Atletico a year later in a £60million deal but has failed to live up to expectations since moving to the Spanish capital.
(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal are only likely to be willing to discuss a loan deal for Lemar, with the option to buy.
Mikel Arteta has made strengthening his defence a priority and it is unclear if the Arsenal board would be willing to sanction another big-money move for an attacking player after signing Nicolas Pepe in the summer.
But Atletico are keen to get Lemar off the wage bill and could reach an agreement if Arsenal take on his salary.
Lemar is primarily a left winger but can also play on the right flank as an attacking central midfielder.
Tottenham are also believed to be interested in Lemar, while RMC claims the player has already snubbed an offer to join Lyon.
It is thought that a deal for Lemar could have an impact on another January move, with Atletico still keen on Edinson Cavani.
The Uruguayan is free to leave PSG and has emerged as a possible target for Chelsea and Manchester United.
But he favours a move to Atletico and Lemar’s departure could free up room on the wage bill to bring in Cavani.
