Chelsea now surprise contenders to sign Monaco winger Thomas Lemar
Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign Monacos in-demand winger Thomas Lemar this summer, according to reports.
The Blues, along with Tottenham, have stolen a march on both Arsenal and Liverpool who fought over the France internationals signature during last summers transfer deadline day.
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In the end, neither move materialised for the 22-year-old who has continued to pique interest from the Premier League.
Monacos vice-president Vadim Vasilyev stated that Lemar would not be sold last season, but it is now likely the Ligue 1 side will want to cash in on their most valuable asset.
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According to LEquipe, Chelsea and Spurs are now possible destination after interest from Arsenal and Liverpool cooled off.
The Gunners have take a different direction with regards to transfers following the appointment of chief scout Sven Mslintat and new manager Unai Emery.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have already completed deals for Fabinho and Naby Keita to arrive in July, while Jurgen Klopps side continue to be linked with Lyon attacker Nabil Fekir.
Monaco rejected a bid for Lemar from Arsenal worth a reported €100m last August, which suggests it would take a similar fee to prise him away from the Stade Louis II this summer.
Speaking to LEquipe the winger says he cannot believe that his potential transfer fee would exceed the £46.6m fee Real Madrid paid Juventus for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.
He said: “It would be more than what Real paid when they signed Zidane. Oh no, I am not comparing myself to Zidane! It is Zidane!
“After that, the transfer market is a bit crazy now. I work. Well see [regarding future] what happens in due time.”
Lemar admitted that he didnt think about a move on deadline day last year with him in action for France against Netherlands on the same day.
“It is flattering that such clubs are interested in you, but, except perhaps for a few minutes during the meal, the day of the match, I didnt think about it at all,” he continued.
“My agents left me alone so that I could focus on that important match.
“Therefore, I was not disturbed for a second.”
MORE: Real Madrid drop Eden Hazard interest following Zinedine Zidane exit
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