Arsenal: Thomas Lemar shouldn’t hold his breath

Thomas Lemar has stated that he is working to secure a big move in the summer. The young Frenchman, however, shouldn’t hold his breath. Arsenal have moved on.

It was somewhat of a shock when Arsenal reportedly lodged a £90 million, deadline-day bid for Thomas Lemar last summer. The offer came as it looked like Alexis Sanchez would leave for Manchester City, and the Gunners, keen to secure a viable replacement before the Chilean’s departure, sought out Lemar, a player that had allegedly chased all summer.

Catch the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast right here

We all know how that played out. Within 30 minutes, the North London club deemed the deal impossible to complete before the 11 PM deadline, rescinded their offer, rejected Manchester City’s move for Sanchez, and rolled the dice with the troublesome winger. In reflection, that may not have been the smartest decision.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Nevertheless, Lemar was left at Monaco, still dreaming of a new club while Arsenal proceeded to move on from Sanchez just six months later, signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a straight swap. Since then, there has been a vast number of clubs reportedly interested in Lemar, ranging from Barcelona to Liverpool. But still, he waits for that big-club move that he is seemingly gasping for. In a recent interview, Lemar admitted that he had regrets about past moves falling through:

"“Regrets? Maybe. I was a little disappointed. Once it’s over, it’s over, so do not think about it. I will keep working hard so these clubs will eventually come back in the next transfer window. I am open to all offers. I am a football player, I like football. I do not close any door.”"

Unfortunately for Lemar, though, at least from an Arsenal perspective, the ship may well have sailed. The addition of Mkhitaryan clearly takes on the Alexis-position, while pairing him with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the central striker and securing the long-term future of Mesut Ozil with a new contract perhaps negates the need for attacking reinforcements.

Now, there is perhaps an argument to be made from an age standpoint. All of Mkhitaryan, Ozil and Aubameyang are nearing the dreaded 30-year mark and Lemar, at only 22, certainly offers a younger option that can be tailored towards the future, rather than thrust into the line-up in the very present.

Next: Arsenal: 3 changes Thomas Tuchel will bring

However, I think it is fair to say that the need for Lemar has passed. He would not, presently, be the best use of resources. I hope he’s not holding his breath for that big-money North London move.