Arsenal: Thomas Lemar not necessarily a missed opportunity

Thomas Lemar is staying. That is according to Monaco Vice-President Vadim Vasilyev. While it may seem like one, Lemar is not yet a missed opportunity for Arsenal.

Arsenal, being a club managed by an old, outdated, hesitant man who would think twice about paying an extra 5p for his morning coffee when he spends £20-a-week regardless of the price hike, have missed out on a number of wonderfully exciting signings.

Related Story: Arsenal: 3 reasons Thomas Lemar breakthrough is real

It is an annual ritual where Arsene Wenger tells of the latest star that he nearly signed two decades ago while on a deep scouting trip to tribes deep in the Amazon because the plane would cost too much to fly them home.

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As Arsenal fans, we have had to become accustomed to such disappointment. It is, unfortunately, a way of life, a ritual that we all must toil through, like some form of initiation to make sure you can deal with the bitter, heart-wrenching pain of seeing your prized possession score yet another goal for Manchester United.

And this summer has seemingly thrown up another missed opportunity. Thomas Lemar, ever since the club-record addition of Alexandre Lacazette was secured, has become the apple of Wenger’s eye. Unfortunately for Wenger, he is apple that he will not get to eat. Monaco Vice-President, Vadim Vasilyev, has reiterated the French club’s stance that Lemar is not for sale, stating that he will not leave the club this summer:

"“We have kept all of the key players that we intended to keep. I will address speculation relating to the case of Lemar. He is staying with us. He is an immense talent and is essential for the team.”"

For a player of Lemar’s natural ability and undeniable potential, that is undoubtedly a shame. It would have terribly exciting to see him link up with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, all featuring behind Lacazette in one of the Premier League’s most potent attacks.

But while Vasilyev’s comments may describe Lemar as yet another missed opportunity from Wenger, that is not necessarily the case. Arsenal may not be able to sign him this summer, but there will be other summers and Lemar is certainly interested in moving to the North London.

For all of Wenger’s hesitant faults in the market, his reputation with players, especially young French players, is irrefutable and undiminishing. Wenger is a huge selling point to Lemar and his presence could mean that the chance to sign him resurfaces next summer.

Next: Arsenal: 3 replacements for Thomas Lemar

It would be wonderful to see Lemar at the Emirates. And it is disappointing to hear that he will, most likely, be staying in Monaco this summer. But that does not mean that he will never come. Let’s not give up hope just yet.