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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Liam Prenderville

Arsenal 'leading Thomas Lemar transfer chase' as Atletico Madrid seek January exit

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Atletico Madrid star Thomas Lemar.

Lemar, 24, has been a long-term target of the Gunners after a bid while he was at Monaco in 2017.

He joined Atletico a year later in a £60m deal but has failed to live up to expectations since moving to the Spanish capital.

Tottenham and Arsenal are both believed to have been keeping tabs on the situation but reports in Spain suggest the Gunners are at the front of the queue.

Marca claims Arsenal is the most 'likely destination' as Diego Simeone seeks to find a way out for Lemar before the transfer window closes.

Arsenal are only likely to be willing to discuss a loan deal for the France international, with the option to buy.

Mikel Arteta has made strengthening his defence a priority and it is unclear if the Arsenal board would be willing to sanction another big-money move for an attacking player after signing Nicolas Pepe in the summer.

But Atletico are keen to get Lemar off the wage bill and could reach an agreement if Arsenal take on his salary.

Thomas Lemar of Atletico de Madrid looks on (Getty Images)

It is claimed the deal could have an impact on another January move with Atletico still keen on Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayan is free to leave PSG and has emerged as a possible target for Chelsea and Manchester United.

But he favours a move to Atletico and Lemar's departure could free up room on the wage bill to bring in Cavani.

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