OPINION
Arsenal are close to securing a deal for Monaco wide man Thomas Lemar and he could be the difference in the club challenging for the Premier League title in the upcoming season.
The Sun report that the Gunners are set to sign the 21-year-old after chasing his signature for much of the summer.
It is understood that they close to securing a £45million deal for the France international and have made a significant breakthrough in negotiations with the Ligue 1 champions.
Lemar was one of the standout players last season in a Monaco that tore the French league apart and got to the semi-final of the Champions League.
The left winger made 55 appearances across all completions last season, scoring 14 goals and supplying 17 assists in return.
His blistering pace has seen Arsenal become very keen in bringing him to the Emirates Stadium and he should become a favourite if he can replicate his form in England.
Lemar gave Premier League audiences a sneak of his talent in an international friendly for France against England and looks tailor-made for the division.
The lightning winger has brilliant speed and trickery, while also possessing a real eye for goal.
The Gunners supporters have grown frustrated in recent years with the lack of big-name signings, but it appears they are on the verge of ending that with the signing of one of Ligue 1’s best players.
Arsenal are definitely capable of winning the Premier League next season and have a potentially frightening front four if they can keep hold of their key players.
Lemar could team up alongside Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and another summer signing Alexandre Lacazette to make a sensational line-up.
Arsenal’s Premier League rivals have made some considerable improvements to their squad this summer and for once Wenger’s side appear to be keeping pace with them in the transfer market with their own world-class additions.