Despite Arsenal coming close to signing Monaco winger, Thomas Lemar, in August, the 22-year-old reportedly favours a move to Liverpool.

Liverpool are allegedly ready to cough up £90m for Lemar in January in order to beat Arsenal to their target.

The 22-year-old almost signed for the Gunners in August but chose to stay at Monaco for the time being and now Jurgen Klopp, who’s a long-time fan of the winger, wants to nab him from under Arsene Wenger’s nose.

Lemar apparently favours a move to Merseyside because he wants Champions League football. This contradicts reports over the summer that the France international wanted to work under Wenger, but it still makes sense. Most players want to play with the best of the best so Lemar’s no different in that respect.

Although Liverpool want to bring Lemar on board to bolster their attack, they also allegedly want him as back-up in case Barcelona return for Philippe Coutinho.

The Catalan giants are reportedly preparing to trigger Antoine Griezmann’s £100m release clause at Atletico Madrid, which suggests that they’re not all that bothered about Coutinho anymore. However, despite Liverpool apparently demanding over £120m for the Brazilian, they could still return for him in the future.

Therefore, Klopp doesn’t want to be left short. If he can sign Lemar in January, it would be a win-win situation.

Similarly, Arsenal want Lemar to replace Alexis Sanchez. The forward’s almost definitely signing for Manchester City in January or on a free at the end of the season. The Gunners need another world class forward in their squad and Lemar is an ideal option.

How’s Lemar’s season so far?

Lemar had a strong season for Monaco last term, scoring 14 goals and assisting 17 over all competitions. This term, although he’s not been as strong, netting just two and providing four assists in 12 Ligue 1 appearances, he’s missed nine games through hamstring and shoulder injuries.

At this point in time, I don’t think Arsenal fans care whether Lemar is bang in form or not. We just desperately need someone to replace Alexis. Otherwise, if the 29-year-old leaves in January, it’s going to be difficult.