Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could make a move for one player Gunners legend Arsene Wenger was particularly fond of and tried desperately to sign late on in the summer window of 2017.
The latter stages of the Arsene Wenger era seem like a distant memory to most of the Arsenal faithful given how current boss Mikel Arteta has exceeded expectations this season.
However, the name of one key figure of the back end of Wenger’s reign – despite never actually signing for Arsenal, has appeared once again. Thomas Lemar is available to secure on a free transfer this summer as the Frenchman’s time at Atletico Madrid nears its end.
Lemar was of course the subject of a memorable £92million bid from what was then Wenger’s Arsenal back in August of 2017 according to reports. At the time the wide-forward was just 21 years of age and was an integral part of the Monaco side that captured hearts as they won the 2016/17 Ligue 1 and reached the last four of the Champions League.
During that season, Lemar bagged 12 goals and weaved his influence as Monaco ended their 17-year wait for a league title, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Bernardo Silva also playing starring roles.
In July of that year, Wenger was alleged to have submitted a £30m offer for Lemar as he aimed to bolster Arsenal’s attacking talent. The Gunners had to also deal with interest from Liverpool, but in the end neither were successful as Monaco stood firm and kept hold of Lemar.
Though Arsenal were willing to fork out a club record fee to bring the exciting talent to the Emirates that summer, they did not reginite their interest 12 months later when it became a deal for Lemar would be possible.
