Arsenal transfer news: Lemar not keen on switch, Gunners legend warns Wenger and more - 25th December 2017
Lemar not too keen on Arsenal with Liverpool and United interested
The AS Monaco playmaker was sought by the Gunners as well as the Reds during the summer but eventually stayed put at his club. However, both clubs retained their interest on the player with Arsene Wenger seeing the Frenchman as a replacement for Mesut Ozil while Jurgen Klopp considers him to be an ideal replacement for Philippe Coutinho, who looks set to join Barcelona next year.
In recent weeks, rumours stating Manchester United's interest have surfaced with Mourinho reportedly looking for a wide playmaker. Now, journalist Duncan Castles spoke about the situation on Transfer Window podcast and said:
“Lemar is a player Manchester United are very interested in for that left-wing position, or that left-footed winger, that Mourinho desperately wants to add to the squad to add to his tactical dimensions."
“Arsenal are interested again but what I’m hearing from the Monaco end is Lemar is as unconvinced about going to Arsenal now as he was in the summer when he turned them down after Arsenal had gazumped Liverpool’s offer for the player and had a bid accepted.
“That one is a very fluid situation as at least those three clubs want Lemar but there’s still other clubs who come in for him because he’s probably the highest-regarded winger in football at the moment and Monaco will sell him for the right price.”
While Arsenal do have to worry given the competition, they have as good a chance as any until the 22-year old signs for a new club.
Patrick Vieira urges club to resolve futures of key players
Along with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, Jack Wilshere's contract is expiring in the summer as well and so far, none of them looks likely to sign a new deal. This is a worrying sign for the London club as it sets a precedent for rest of the players and can have a bad effect on the club.
While Wenger remains optimistic of renewals, there is little hope among the Gunners faithful that either of Ozil or Sanchez will stay. Thus, former Arsenal captain, Patrick Vieira urged the club to resolve their futures quickly so that the club can focus properly on what happens on the pitch. He told Sky Sports:
"When you look at the Arsenal team in the last few years I think everybody expects more because of what this football club represents. The current years, of course, are not good enough; it's not good for the club, for the fans.
"When you win you want to keep winning and there are players who have to make a decision about what they want to do in the future - I think that is the first thing they need to resolve. And then, bring quality players to challenge Manchester City because I believe Manchester City will be the team to beat in the years to come. When you look at the way they play the game, you don't have to especially be a City fan to enjoy it."
Several club legends have been vocal about the current situation at the Emirates and it is imperative for Wenger to act upon the situation in the upcoming January transfer window.
Ian Wright believes Wilfried Zaha will succeed at Arsenal
The Crystal Palace winger has been the standout performer in Roy Hodgson's side and there have been talks of the former Manchester United man being set for a big move in 2018. Now, Arsenal legend, Ian Wright, believes the 25-year old has enough in his locker to succeed at the North London club. Wright told Sky Sports:
“Spurs have been linked. Arsenal have been linked. On ability wise, he is easily good enough. To play in a certain system, I’m not sure. He is a maverick.”
While Arsenal could face competition from their North London rivals, the Gunners can definitely benefit from signing Zaha, especially with the impending departures of Sanchez and Ozil.