Atletico Madrid are looking to offload Thomas Lemar to fund their move for a striker in January, with the Spanish media linking Arsenal to a move.

Marca report Atletico Madrid are trying to sign a number 9 in January. Diego Simeone wants competition in the squad for Alvaro Morata after an injury to Diego Costa. Unfortunately, they can’t bring in a big name without letting a player go first.

Thomas Lemar is reportedly the only player the club would consider selling to make room for a striker. His agent Jorge Mendes has already spoken with the club’s CEO about a move. Mendes plans to try and strike a deal with a Premier League club.

Arsenal get a mention as one of the English clubs not meeting their objectives and needing reinforcements.

As many will remember, Arsenal bid for Lemar in the 2017 summer transfer window. The AS Monaco president admitted the winger wanted to leave for England, but the transfer never went through. Instead, Lemar joined Atletico Madrid, a strange choice.

Moving from a fast-paced free-flowing Monaco side that set the Champions League alight in 2016/17 to a Diego Simeone side doesn’t seem like the most intelligent move for an attacker.

Lemar is struggling with his new team, failing to contribute to a goal in 21 appearances this season.

There are still the underlying signs of a good player there. WhoScored list his strengths as passing (very strong), dribbling, crossing, holding on to the ball and taking set-pieces, with only finishing as a weakness.

Whether it’s enough to convince Arsenal – or any club – to splash the kind of cash Atletico want is another matter.