Arsenal: Thomas Lemar breakthrough not now or never

The Sun are continually reporting that Arsenal have made a breakthrough in their bid to sign Thomas Lemar. While I doubt the validity of the reports, that does not mean that it is now or never for the Gunners to secure their man.

There often comes a point when a decision must be made. The time has come, as they say, for a path to be chosen, to be certified and concluded. This is especially true for transfers, particularly those that tend to drag on endlessly through the summer, with reports and counter-reports, agents speaking this and that, curious airport sightings, news of a mysteriously failed medical, the type that Arsenal are usually key players in.

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A decision, from all parties involved — the player, the buying club and the selling club –, must be agreed to. Sometimes that is to force through a deal. Other times that is to say ‘no’. For Arsene Wenger this summer, his most pursued target, the one that he is yet to secure, is, you may think, perhaps reaching that stage.

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Monaco Vice-President confirmed this week that Thomas Lemar would not be leaving the club, sighting the losses of many of their established starters as a reason for holding on to the final few prized possessions. This comes amid a whirlwind of rumour and conjecture suggesting that Arsenal are willing to pay over-the-odds to secure his services, perhaps even breaking their transfer record for the second time in the same window if necessary.

While I doubt the validity of those reports, to say that Arsenal are not interested in Lemar would be a simple lie. However, to say they are making progress, as The Sun are doing, would also be a lie. They claim that a breakthrough has been made and that the Gunners are on the brink of signing the 21-year-old.

That seems like a hasty, misguided thing to say to me. But it does raise the point that, while the pressure from the fans may be on, the decision of now or never does not need to be made. In fact, it needn’t be made this summer whatsoever.

Lemar, although a player of the quality and calibre to have an immediate impact, would be a signing with a long-term perspective. He is only 21, has limited first-team experience and is yet to blossom into the best of his ability. Wenger sees his natural talent. But he also sees his future, and that is what is so attractive.

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That is why Wenger is so relentless in his pursuit of Lemar. It is not just the short-term impact. It is the long-term goal, the influence that he could have in leading the team forward for many years to come. And given the success that Wenger has had with young French attackers in the past, the furthering of his career that Arsenal would offer, and the chance to play in the Premier League, it is hard to see why Lemar would not want to make the North London switch.

Next: Arsenal: Thomas Lemar perfect partner for Alexandre Lacazette

It is important, at times, to be convicted and decisive in the transfer market. It can be murky and unclear and you can very easily become muddled. However, sometimes, patience is a much-needed virtue. This is one of those times.