Thomas Lemar's representatives are working hard on an Atletico Madrid exit during the January transfer window.
This has been confirmed by Diego Simeone during his pre-match press conference ahead of his side's La Liga encounter with Levante at the weekend.
An arrival in the Spanish capital from Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco in the summer of 2018, the France World Cup winner hasn't quite lived up to expectations under the Argentine tactician.
Without a goal or an assist to his name across any competition this season, it would appear that Lemar is surplus to requirements at the Wanda Metropolitano.
And Simeone is far from pleased with what he's seen from Lemar in the one and a half seasons he's been at the club.
"The facts speak for themselves, better than words," Simeone said, as per Get Football News France. "It is certain that he has not been able to show all his qualities.
"Each time that he has been available, I have tried to play him. I have always been enthusiastic about his qualities as a player.
"He has not met the expectations set for him, but we have always had the same expectations.
"Today, who is to know if he will stay or not… His representatives are working hard. The clubs, they, operate on what they need."
Simeone's comments are likely to alert Arsenal as well as Tottenham Hotspur.
Earlier in the week, Marca claimed that the Spanish club had called on Jorge Mendes, their "most trusted agent" to work on an exit strategy with the Gunners named as their best hope.
However, Mikel Arteta's side could face competition in the shape of their north London rivals, who have also joined the race for Lemar, according to Foot Mercato.
The report claims that Spurs do not have the funds for a January transfer so are hoping to take the winger on loan for the rest of the season with an option to buy in the summer.
Whatever the case is, this month is certainly shaping up to be an interesting one for Lemar.
