Arsene Wenger: Thomas Lemar chase isn't over
Arsene Wenger says he intends to revive Arsenal's pursuit of Thomas Lemar in the future, despite being rejected by the winger in the summer window.
In a transfer that would've likely led Alexis Sanchez to depart for Manchester City for up to £60 million, the Gunners made a last-ditch effort to snap up Lemar on deadline day. Monaco accepted the astronomical €100-million bid but, in the midst of international duty and some fine form for his club, Lemar refused the move to London.
That has left Arsenal with a seemingly unsettled Sanchez until at least the January transfer window.
Related - Timeline: How Arsenal's Lemar deal fell apart, and Sanchez stayed put
"Yes, we bid €100 million for Lemar but the player wanted to stay in Monaco," Wenger told Telefoot, with translation from Telegraph Sport.
"Yes, we'll come back in for him."
Following last season's haul of nine goals and 10 assists in Ligue 1, Lemar has begun the new term in the same vain, fashioning two assists in four impressive outings. He also made his competitive bow for France on Thursday, scoring a brace in a 4-0 bashing of the Netherlands.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
The deadline-day saga led to many pundits clambering to criticise Arsenal's business endeavours, but blame could also levelled at Manchester City, which also left what was potentially its most lucrative piece of summer trading too late.
Related: Why the biggest loser in the Sanchez-Lemar debacle is Manchester City
Wenger has also been a long-term admirer of Kylian Mbappe, Lemar's former Monaco teammate who moved to Paris Saint-Germain in the final days of the window, and bestowed some of the loftiest praise possible on the 18-year-old forward.
"He can be like Pele, there are no limits to his game," Wenger said, as translated by ESPN FC. "We can already see the difference in the calls he makes (to receive the ball). He scores but he also creates - only the very best players can do this."
Mbappe was signed by PSG on an initial season-long loan, with the capital club then possessing an option to buy the teenage sensation for around €190 million next summer.