Could Tottenham Hotspur succeed where Arsenal have failed and sign the exciting wide man?
According to Thursday’s print edition of French newspaper L’Equipe, and later posted online by Sky Sports, Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a bid for AS Monaco winger Thomas Lemar.
This comes after North London rivals Arsenal allegedly failed with a £31million offer of their own for the 21-year-old (as reported by the Guardian).
As a result, Spurs know they will have to go considerably higher than the Gunners’ offer if they want to convince the Ligue 1 champions to sell, especially when it looks like a number of Monaco’s star names are already set for a summer switch.
Lemar would be an outstanding addition for a Tottenham side desperate for quality wingers. Last season the five-capped France international scored 14 goals and provided 17 assists in for the Champions League semi-finalists and he would immediately transform Spurs’ wide options, offering them the additional creative catalyst they need.
The problem for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, along with any other suitors, is that Monaco know exactly how much Lemar is worth in the current inflated market and, with a contract until the summer of 2020, there is no reason for the player to be sold any time soon.
If Tottenham go in with a huge offer, it may make Monaco sit up and take notice, but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is unlikely to do that, instead exploring the possibility of signing Lemar for slightly more than Arsenal’s opening offer.
Only time will tell how this one plays out but one thing is for sure: If Tottenham want the player he will be the most expensive acquisition in their history.
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