Arsenal’s stance revealed as chase for La Liga winger takes fresh twist

Arsenal will not be one of the clubs approaching Atletico Madrid with an offer for winger Thomas Lemar, according to reports.
Lemar has been heavily linked with a move away from the Spanish capital in recent days after struggling this season, having failed to score in any of his 21 appearances in all competitions.
Indeed, Atletico boss Diego Simeone admitted that the Frenchman has failed to make his mark, saying: “His characteristics have always excited me. But he hasn’t been able to live up to expectations.”
Previous reports have claimed that Tottenham have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Lemar, who has only managed three goals in 64 appearances since his move from Monaco.
Spurs are reportedly preparing to offer over £50m in the summer for an option to buy at the end of a six-month loan starting in January.
However, according to Goal, Arsenal will not be entertaining any thoughts of trying to sign Lemar this month.
The source says that the options available to Gunners boss Mikel Arteta – including summer signing Nicolas Pepe – mean there is little need for Arsenal to think about adding another winger to their ranks.
What’s more, Pepe cost £72m and that sum, along with the money it cost to sign William Saliba and Kieran Tierney, has left the Gunners with a lack of funds to pursue a move for Lemar.
Goal adds that Arsenal are looking to bring in one or two players on loan and would not turn down an opportunity to spend if it aligned with Arteta’s plans going forward.
Xhaka has been a divisive figure among Arsenal fans this season following the incident in October which led to him being dropped and stripped of the club’s captaincy.
Danny Murphy told talkSPORT: “If Xhaka was in Liverpool‘s side with Henderson and Fabinho, he would look a hell of a player because he is technically good, a good passer, has a great shot on him and he has the ability with his great left foot to open you up.
“But when you are playing in a team that is struggling a bit, he is a passenger defensively and a liability. It is a dilemma for Mikel Arteta because he has a squad that needs a bit of tinkering.”