Diego Simeone has refused to confirm Thomas Lemar will stay with Atletico Madrid.
Lemar, 24, has been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham after just 18 months in the Spanish capital with Atletico.
The Frenchman has struggled to adapt to La Liga and reports suggest a loan move could be on the cards this month.
Lemar is currently sidelined with injury but Simeone admits he cannot guarantee he will stay with the club once he is fit.
"Lemar is an important player who hasn't been able to develop his game but who has characteristics that others don't have," Simeone said ahead of his side's clash with Levante.
"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."
"Let's hope he has a good moment when he comes back from injury."
Arsenal were heavily linked with Lemar when he was at Monaco, before he made the move to Atletico.
They are believed to have the edge over Tottenham in his pursuit, but neither club are likely to be willing to meet Atletico's price tag.
Lemar cost the La Liga giants around £50m in the summer of 2018 and they would be looking to recoup a similar fee.
But neither Jose Mourinho or Mikel Arteta are likely to be given anywhere near that to spend over the course of the month.
