Arsenal Transfer News: Thomas Lemar Boost, Latest Olivier Giroud Exit Rumours

Confidence is reportedly growing at Arsenal that they will complete a deal for AS Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar in the coming weeks.

According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, the Gunners are ready to offer the Frenchman a contract worth £100,000-a-week should he make the switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Cross noted Arsenal have already seen two bids turned away for Lemar, although they are ready to up their offer from £40 million to £45 million. 

"Lemar's representatives have already held talks with Monaco and Arsenal are hoping they can get a deal done," continued Cross, who noted the club have already spent big to secure Alexandre Lacazette for £52 million in this window. "They may have to go close to doing that again to land Lemar with Monaco insisting that he is one of Europe’s best young talents."

Here's what Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had to say about the player when asked recently, per Chris Wheatley of Goal:

Lemar was outstanding as Monaco raced to the Ligue 1 title last season, playing a spellbinding brand of football in the process.

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The 21-year-old was stationed on the left side of midfield and, in tandem with Benjamin Mendy, offered the team incredible thrust from that flank. Being left-footed, Lemar would regularly use his pace to barge around the outside of defenders, although he's astute at dipping infield and linking up play too.

Per WhoScored.com, in addition to these physical and technical qualities, he is a big threat from set pieces:

If Arsenal could get Lemar, it would be an exciting acquisition. As you would expect from a player so young, there are green parts to his game that can undo some of his scintillating work. Yet under the guidance of Wenger, you would back the Frenchman to develop into a fantastic option in a variety of roles.

Olivier Giroud Linked with Borussia Dortmund

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According to Cross, Borussia Dortmund are ready to test Arsenal’s resolve to keep hold of Olivier Giroud this summer.

It’s noted in the report that the Bundesliga side are on the lookout for forwards, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang said to be edging closer to a move to Chelsea.

Giroud is reported to be on their radar, although Everton, West Ham United, Marseille and AC Milan are also listed as possible suitors.

As relayed by Cross, when asked about his future recently, Giroud hinted he may well be on the move this summer.

"I just want to prepare well for the season and we will see later," he said. "But it is true that I really enjoyed my five years with Arsenal. I try to be professional. No matter what happens, I did my job on the pitch."

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With Lacazette signed and Lemar linked, Jeremy Wilson of the Daily Telegraph believes Wenger will need to let a forward go:

Given he only started 11 Premier League games last season without Lacazette for competition, Giroud surely won't be in for many minutes this term. While he is a fine alternative at times, ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup he will be wanting to play as much as possible.

For Arsenal, this summer may be the ideal time to cash in on the player too. Last season the side were at their best when they had dynamic players at the point of the attack, with Alexis Sanchez a menace in the centre-forward position. Plus, if they were to sell the 30-year-old now, they would still be able to command a significant fee.