Arsenal: Thomas Lemar the better compliment but worse replacement

Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Thomas Lemar, instead of Riyad Mahrez. The crux of who to prioritise is Alexis Sanchez; the former is a better compliment while the latter is a better replacement.

After making their first major signing of the summer in Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal are reportedly wanting to press on and further bolstering their attacking options with fellow Frenchman and young Monaco winger Thomas Lemar.

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The most recent reports claim that the Gunners have tabled a second offer of £40 million, up £10 million from their initial bid of £30 million. It is expected that Monaco will reject the new and improved offer, but there is a growing sense of confidence, in Arsene Wenger and the club, that a deal can be completed in the coming months.

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The question of whether Lemar would be an astute addition or not, however, is shaped by the future of Alexis Sanchez. Whether the Chilean stays or goes, such is his importance and influence, often being the main instigator and creator in the final third, will dictate the necessary recruitment of the club. With him remaining in the squad, Arsenal could perhaps be okay with just the addition of Lacazette. Without him, significant investment will have to be made.

Moreover, Sanchez’s staying or going will not just impact the level of spending, but also the type of players that are targeted. Lemar, for example, would be the perfect complement to Sanchez. Much like Mesut Ozil, his game revolves around his intelligence and his guile, as he is able to find pockets of space in the final third and pick apart defences with precise passing and creative touches.

Sanchez, on the other hand, is a player who relies on his pace and balance to drive at opposing defenders. He is extremely sharp in short areas, with wonderful balance and a tight turning circle, and can skip over, past and even through challenges with ease.

Lemar is not that type of player. But Riyad Mahrez is. The Leicester City winger is another name that has been linked with a move to the Emirates, and he does have the tools, the athleticism, the speed and the dribbling ability, to replicate the direct and deliberate threat that Sanchez poses.

In evaluating whether Lemar or Mahrez would be wise investments, it is impossible to do so without factoring in Sanchez. If Sanchez stays, then Lemar would be the better of the two to pursue. If he leaves, then Mahrez is the more potent option.

Next: 3 reasons Alexandre Lacazette is a better signing than Romelu Lukaku

Whether Wenger will be so adaptive with his transfer approach or not, remains to be seen. However, while we remain in the speculative period before any offer has been accepted, I will hope that he is.