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Report: Liverpool and Arsenal dealt blow in pursuit of Thomas Lemar

Monacos French midfielder Thomas Lemar (C) celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Saint-Etienne (ASSE) and Mon...
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The French youngster has reportedly expressed his desire to join Barcelona over all other clubs

Thomas Lemar of Monaco  during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between AS Monaco v Juventus at Stade Louis II on May 3, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco.

According to the Daily Star, AS Monaco youngster Thomas Lemar has indicated he would favour a move to Barcelona over all other clubs.

The 22-year-old Frenchman has been a top target for both Liverpool and Arsenal, with it being reported that he was close to a move to the Emirates Stadium last summer.

Both clubs are willing to pay big to acquire his services, however, Barcelona have emerged as the most recent team to be interested in the Monaco star and view him as one of Europe’s brightest young prospects.

Monaco's Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim attends the French L1 football match Nantes vs Monaco at the La Beaujoire stadium in Nantes, western France, on November 29, 2017.

This is a massive blow for both Liverpool and Arsenal, who have been seemingly pushing for a move for quite some time. However, despite Lemar’s preference, Monaco still hold power over the youngster’s future.

Lemar helped Monaco to the Ligue 1 title last season as they shocked all to beat PSG, denying the Parisian club a fifth league title in a row.

He has won eight France caps since his debut in 2016 and has netted 22 goals in 108 games for the Red and Whites.

Thomas Lemar of AS Monaco is watched by Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on...

According to The Sun, when asked about the situation surrounding his midfield maestro Leonardo Jardim said: “Today, the market is open. You know how crazy the market is. Things happen that even a club like Monaco cannot say no to.

“It happened to Liverpool [with Coutinho]. The numbers today are incredibly big. Everything can change.

“The things I can say today are not true tomorrow. In the last two transfer windows, last summer and this winter, the numbers have gone up enormously.”

Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on January 20, 2018 in London, England.

Despite Lemar allegedly voicing his preference, Liverpool and Arsenal still have a chance to sign the youngster if the price is right by the sounds of it.

Despite spending £142million (BBC) on Philippe Coutinho, however, Barcelona appear to be willing to splash the cash once again and secure Lemar’s services before somebody else does.