ARSENAL CLOSE TO SIGNING LEMAR FOR £45M

Arsenal are finally close to agreeing a £45 million deal with Monaco to sign winger Thomas Lemar, claims The Sun. Monaco have already rejected two bids for Lemar and had been determined to prevent the France international from joining the club exodus, but Arsenal have reportedly persuaded the Ligue 1 champions to sell. Arsene Wenger looks to have finally landed Thomas Lemar Arsene Wenger has already had bids rejected for the 21-year-old as Monaco were demanding £80m for a player they signed from Caen two years ago. Monaco were hoping the huge numbers quoted would deter Arsenal and help them keep Lemar for another season on the premise his value would increase further to spark a bidding war. SunSport revealed earlier this month Lemar has already agreed terms with Arsenal and told the French champions to allow him to move to North London this summer. Lemar will be Wenger’s third addition at the Emirates this summer as the French coach looks to lead the club back into title contention. Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac have been recruited and the arrival of the Monaco star will be a huge boost for the Gunners, who would take their summer spending to £97m. Lemar featured for Monaco in their last pre-season game at Benfica and will hope to get the green light to complete his switch to the Premier League before they face Paris-Saint Germain in Morocco this Saturday in the Trophee des champions.