Spurs and Arsenal to battle for Atletico Madrid winger

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are both reportedly interested in Atletico Madrid winger Thomas Lemar with the France international said to be keen on a January move.

According to The Independent, Lemar would be available on a six-month loan for a fee of around £6m with a £60m option to make the deal permanent in the summer.

Lemar joined Atletico in 2018 after impressing at AS Monaco for £52.7m but has failed to make much of an impact for Diego Simeone‘s side. Arsenal were close to signing Lemar in the summer of 2017 when Alexis Sanchez was also linked with a move to Manchester City, but a £92m move by Arsene Wenger fell through at the last minute.

In 64 appearances for Atletico Lemar has scored just four goals and Simeone recently said of the former Caen midfielder:

"“His characteristics have always excited me. But he hasn’t been able to live up to expectations.”"

Spurs are thought to be keen on the player though, having gone through a bad run of form in recent weeks. Winger Heung-Min Son has been suspended during this period, but it has caused Jose Mourinho to criticise record signing Tanguy Ndombele for his lack of commitment.

Arsenal are also said to be monitoring Lemar’s situation this January, although it was recently revealed that Arsenal may not have money to spend this month. The Gunners spent heavily on attackers Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli in the summer, while they also have Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on their books.

In 15 league appearances for Atletico this season, Lemar has failed to register a goal or an assist. However, just two years ago Lemar was one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe and given the fact he is still only 24 years old, there is plenty of time for him to regain his form.

Arsenal face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park at 12.30pm this Saturday, while Spurs take on Liverpool in the 5.30pm kick off later that day.