Liverpool and Arsenal target set for Atletico Madrid switch

Liverpool and Arsenal look set to miss out on the signing of Monaco youngster Thomas Lemar, with the Frenchman on the cusp of a move to La Liga side Atletico Madrid, reports Spanish publication AS. 

Both Liverpool and Arsenal were keen on signing the young attacker last summer, with the duo at one point or another close to securing his services, only for the transfer to fall through, while the former had considered a January move as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho after his move to Barcelona. 

Monaco were reluctant to sell Lemar in the same summer as Bernardo Silva and Kylian Mbappe and while they are hoping to retain his services, are now more willing to cash in on one of their prized assets. 

Liverpool recently raided Monaco for Fabinho, but are unlikely to do so for a second time this summer, with Nabil Fekir now high on Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist. 

Atletico Madrid are now in the driving seat to sign Lemar, however, they still need to agree a fee with Monaco for the 22-year-old. 

Monaco are believed to be demanding upwards of €90m for Lemar, a figure that could increase should he impress at the World Cup this summer, with Atletico Madrid understandably keen on wrapping up the deal before Russia 2018 kicks off.