Arsenal have lost ground in the race to sign Monaco sensation Thomas Lemar, according to a reliable journalist.
BBC Sport correspondent David Ornstein took to Twitter on Monday morning to deliver an update in the London giants’ bid to prise winger Lemar from the French champions.
Ornstein reported on his personal Twitter account that Arsenal are “less optimistic” of signing the dazzling wide man due to other big-name exits from Monaco although they have not yet given up hope.
Arsenal growing less optimistic of signing Lemar. Still trying but other Monaco exits reduce chances. Intention remains to keep Sanchez #AFC
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) July 17, 2017
Monaco, who stormed to the Ligue 1 title and reached the Champions League semi-finals last season, have already sold Bernardo Silva and Tiemoue Bakayoko, to Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, and Benjamin Mendy has also been strongly linked with a move to Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted last week that he is interested in signing Lemar amid reports that Monaco have slapped an £80million price tag on the wide forward.
But he also stressed his priority is to keep hold of Alexis Sanchez, who has entered the final year of his contract and has yet to agree the terms of an extension.
This has paved the way for Arsenal to push hard for Lemar and they have reportedly had two bids rejected of up to £45million for the France international, 22.
Lemar joined Monaco from SM Caen in 2015 for a fee of £3.4 million and has a further three years remaining on his contract with the club.
He showcased his talents last season as he scored 14 goals and provided 17 assists from 55 appearances.