Lemar impresses with free-kick v Toulouse, talks with Arsenal ongoing

Thomas Lemar played 90 minutes for Monaco in their first Ligue 1 match of the season against Toulouse on Friday, amid reports that Arsenal are still in talks over bringing him to north London.

Monaco beat Toulouse 3-2 in their first Ligue 1 match of the season on Friday evening and despite not being among the goalscorers, Lemar was still impressive.

The 21-year-old delivered an almost perfect free-kick, which flew over the wall, curling down towards the bottom left-hand corner of the Toulouse goal.

While it wasn’t exactly the most spectacular free-kick, nor did it find the back of the net, it was still encouraging seeing as Arsenal don’t really have a free-kick specialist.

The Gunners are still being heavily linked with the France intentional and, according to the Daily Star, Sky Sports reported today (Saturday) that talks are ongoing. Stilll.

Monaco are said to be holding out for £50m – £10m less than what they were apparently demanding recently.

So far, Arsenal have supposedly had two bids knocked back, one of £30m, another of £40m.

The Gunners reportedly launched a third of £45m but there’s been little word on how successful that was. Although I’m guessing not very.

Lemar scored 14 goals and assisted 17 last season, so wherever he plays next season, he’ll be looking to continue getting first team football and be aiming to make his mark ahead of the World Cup next year.

Could he do that at Arsenal? Well if Arsene Wenger, who’s confirmed that there’s interest there, spends £50m on a 21-year-old, I highly doubt he’ll be sitting on the bench.