Lemar hands Arsenal and Liverpool a boost
The two Premier league sides in the chase for the French midfielder have been given new hope in their transfer pursuit as the player turns down a a contract extension.
Monaco's 22-year-old midfielder has given Arsenal and Liverpool a big boost in their hunt for the highly rated Frenchman, with the player rejecting a deal that would extend his current contract, which expires in 2020.
Both sides have been widely reported to be interested in Lemar, with Arsenal supposedly offering Monaco £92m for the player's services last summer. However, although the French international was said to be keen on a move, the club refused to sell.
The English clubs' interest continued into the January transfer window, with Liverpool looking to replace £145m man Philippe Coutinho, and Arsenal on the hunt for someone to fill Alexis Sánchez's boots, but again the Ligue 1 club held firm.
Vice president Vadim Vasilyev declared: "He will stay at Monaco until the end of the season 100 per cent... If Liverpool or Arsenal come with a big offer before the end of the market? This is not relevant. We will say 'no' because the objectives are clear. Without important players like Lemar, we will not succeed."
However, according to 'L'Equipe', Monaco's hopes of keeping Lemar in the long-term have taken a hit after he refused to extend his contract as the player hopes that by not signing a new deal, he will facilitate a summer move to the Premier League league.