Why Arsenal must revive their interest in Thomas Lemar

Back in 2017, Sky Sports reported that Arsenal had launched a £92m bid for then Monaco star Thomas Lemar. He was being earmarked by Arsene Wenger, who wanted his compatriot to move to England with Arsenal.

Lemar decided to stay in Monaco that year and eventually, the deal did not happen. Later, he sealed a £63m switch to Atletico Madrid in 2018 after the World Cup in Russia. Since then, he has gone on to play 62 times for the Rojiblancos.

In his debut season at the Spanish capital, Lemar accounted for 3 goals and 3 assists. This season, he is yet to open his goalscoring account. As a result of his inconsistency, he has fallen down the pecking order under Diego Simeone. From a Ligue 1 talent to being a La Liga outcast, Lemar’s time at Wanda Metropolitano has not gone well.

And now, according to The Sun, Atletico Madrid are ready to discard the Frenchman after the staff and board members have given up on him.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are having a disappointing time in the league this season. With just 1 win their last 9 games, the Gunners are way behind the top four in the league. Their poor run of form resulted in the board sacking Unai Emery and since then, Freddie Ljungberg has been their interim head.

One of the major reasons for their crisis is the lack of creativity in the middle of the park. Mesut Ozil was brilliant for them in his initial years at the Emirates and with time, the German has digressed in speed and hasn’t played to his standards.

Speaking of creativity and playmaking, Thomas Lemar is known to be one of the best with his slick moves and excellent displays. He was one of Monaco’s most potent creative assets when the French outfit were crowned Ligue 1 champions in the 2016/17 season. He completed that season with 12 goals in 39 appearances.

The 24-year-old is gifted and can cause all sorts of troubles to the opponent’s defence. He also has experience at the international level after earning 20 caps for the French national side.

Therefore, if Arsenal manage to get him in their second attempt, he might get a chance to perform well at a higher level than the Ligue 1 or La Liga. He can play exactly where Mesut Ozil is being deployed at Arsenal.

The French World Cup winner’s versatility must be noticed by the Gunners. He can play on either flank. He is also known to be lethal in helping the team’s attack as an attacking midfielder.

At Arsenal, Lemar can become a key player to support Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette up front. He is known for providing assists consistently and can bring Arsenal back to their best.

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Verdict

Though he may not be at his best at the moment, Lemar has already proved himself in Europe by helping Monaco win the Ligue 1 title after 17 years.

Therefore, keeping his situation at Atletico Madrid in mind, it would be wise of Arsenal to revive their interest in Lemar, who would be hoping to save his career. This might also help the club in saving themselves from further humiliation this season if he is bought as early as January.