L’Equipe are claiming that Monaco have turned down a third bid from Arsenal for winger, Thomas Lemar.

The French outlet claims that Monaco have rejected another bid of £45m (€50m) for Lemar after Arsenal previously had offers of £30m and £40m rebuffed.

Interestingly, L’Equipe appear hopeful that a deal can be reached. However, there is nothing more to their report than speculation, with the main bulk of it talking about how badly Arsene Wenger apparently wants to sign the 21-year-old and how much he’s impressed in Ligue 1.

The Sun also claim that the Gunners have had a ‘breakthrough’ in their negotiations with the France international. However, it’s the Sun, so it’s wise to take that with a truck-load of salt.

The rumour comes after Monaco vice-president, Vadim Vasilyev, reiterated that Lemar will not be leaving this summer. This has always been the French champions’ official line and this doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon.

“We have kept all of the key players that we intended to keep,” he said.

“And I will address speculation relating to the case of Lemar – he is staying with us.

“He is an immense talent and is essential for the team.”

The Evening Standard, on the other hand, believes that Wenger won’t be willing to pay much more as his £100m transfer fund is dwindling. They claim the £60m Monaco are now asking for is too much and that the Gunners could turn their attention back to Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez, despite the 26-year-old reportedly being on the brink of a move to Roma.

Lemar is said to be pushing for a move to north London. However, with three years left on his current deal with Monaco and the Ligue 1 club losing some key players already this summer, the final decision probably won’t come down to him.

Last season, the winger made 55 appearances for Monaco, scoring 14 goals and assisting 17.

He also made his France debut and has been capped five times for his country.