OPINION
Monaco attacker Thomas Lemar was one of Europe’s most in-demand stars last summer, but ended up staying in the south of France after a move abroad failed to materialise.
The 22-year-old forward was coming off a fantastic season for the cash-rich club in which he had scored 14 goals and provided 17 assists as they claimed the Ligue 1 title and reached the Champions League semi-finals.
That kind of form attracted the attention of clubs such as Liverpool and Arsenal, who were both heavily linked with him throughout the summer and into January.
The France international dazzler was close to joining the Gunners in a £92million deal that would have seen Alexis Sanchez head to Manchester City, but the move fell through at the last minute.
Lemar has now spoken out about his failed move away from Monaco, admitting his disappointment but expressing hope that teams would come back in for him despite a dip in form.
As quoted by the Evening Standard, he said: “I am not going to hide it, I was a bit disappointed. But there is no point fixating on that. I have continued to work so that these clubs might come back for me in the following transfer window.
“My future? I am open to everything. I love all the different leagues.”
Despite the fact that Lemar has scored just three times and provided eight assists in all competitions this season, there will no doubt be interest in the young dazzler this summer.
This is the perfect opportunity for other clubs to hijack Arsenal and Liverpool’s interest in Lemar, and Tottenham would do well to do exactly that.
Lemar has a wand of a left foot and would fit perfectly into the Tottenham attack, with his pinpoint set-piece delivery another big asset of his.
And, being just 22 years old, Lemar has plenty of time to develop, with Mauricio Pochettino a brilliant coach for young players like him to work under.
His poor form this season should mean that his price tag is slightly deflated this summer, and now is the perfect time for a Tottenham swoop.
The fact that Lemar has admitted being left disappointed by his failed move to rivals Arsenal would make this one all the more sweeter for Spurs, who would be making a strong statement as they head into their new stadium.