Arsenal must lean on Thomas Lemar desires

Arsene Wenger is growing in confidence that Thomas Lemar wants to make the switch to North London. Given Monaco’s resistance to sell, Arsenal should lean on this desire to try and force a move.

Even with the substantial addition of Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal are still lacking in their attacking options. If Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil both decide to stay, then that would give Arsene Wenger two truly world-class attacking players. But there is still a shortcoming out wide that would need to be addressed.

Related Story: Arsenal: 3 reasons Thomas Lemar has to happen

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has proven himself a central midfielder, and, I believe, will only stay if certain assurances are made regarding what position he will play. Theo Walcott has fallen out of Wenger’s favour, especially since the change of formation, and has seemingly run out of time to deliver on his exuberant potential. And Alex Iwobi has failed to continue his development, struggling with form and confidence midway through last season.

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As such, adding another dynamic, creative, goalscoring winger could reignite the Arsenal attack. That is also the belief of Wenger, and he has set his sights on one man in particular: Thomas Lemar. Monaco have already rejected bids of £30 and £40 million and are insistent on trying to keep the ingenious winger amid an exodus of talented players, including Bernardo Silva and possible Kylian Mbappe.

Wenger, though, per recent reports, is convinced that Lemar wants to join Arsenal. Given Wenger’s track record with young French players, the extra coverage and exposure that he will enjoy in the Premier League, and the chance to play in a quality side bursting with French talent ahead of a World Cup, it is clear to see why Lemar would want to make the switch.

But given Monaco’s resistance to selling, this is a move that could be difficult to force over the line. Resultantly, Arsenal may have to use a few tricks to ensure that they get their man.

One of the most effective ways to force through a deal is to make the player unsettled, turning their heads to the greener grass elsewhere. If Wenger is right in his belief that Lemar wants to move to the Emirates, then he simply must continue to encourage that desire, allowing it to blossom and take hold of Lemar’s thoughts.

In turn, that could drive a lodge between Monaco and Lemar, potentially allowing the Gunners to sneak in and sign him at a cheaper price. No club wants to keep an unmotivated, unhappy, restless player. So if such a scenario can be engineered, then Wenger should absolutely do so.

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It may seem a little sly and conniving, but that is the modern transfer world that we live in. It is time that Wenger took advantage of the pulling power that he and the club have, starting with Monaco and Lemar.