Arsenal target Lemar reaches final decision on January move

Atletico Madrid winger Thomas Lemar has decided not to move clubs in January and wants to end the season in the Spanish capital, according to reports.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move away in recent weeks following a tough start to the season, with Atletico boss Diego Siemone laying bare the player’s frustrations earlier this month.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Wolves have all been credited with interest in Lemar, with the latest reports indicating that Atletico are preparing to offer the 24-year-old as a makeweight in a bid to sign Gunners forward Alexandre Lacazette.

However, according to French news outlet Le10Sport, Lemar is well aware of the interest in his signature but has chosen to ignore a potential move away for now.

It is claimed that Lemar wants to stay at Atletico until at least the end of the season unless a drastic change means a move could again be on the cards.

The player’s agent will now reportedly “take stock” of their client and will reconsider a move for Lemar in the summer.

Lemar has only managed three goals in his 64 appearances since arriving at Atletico as the club’s then-most expensive acquisition.

Simeone said of Lemar earlier this month: “Let’s hope he has a good moment when he comes back from injury.

“Now, if Lemar can stay or not… we know that agents work in an exemplary way. Clubs work in terms of the needs of the clubs.

“But, as a footballer, every time he has been available, he’s played a lot more than he hasn’t played.

 

 

“His characteristics have always excited me. But he hasn’t been able to live up to expectations.”

Elsewhere, Arsenal are reportedly close to completing the signing of Paris Saint-Germain full-back Layvin Kurzawa.

Kurzawa is out of contract in the summer and will be available on a free transfer.

According to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein, talks between the Gunners and PSG over a transfer have progressed past the initial stages.

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