Vadim Vasilyev, Monaco’s vice-president has admitted Thomas Lemar was very close to joining Arsenal this summer.

Lemar was the subject if a very late bid to sign him as Manchester City came in with their own late bid for Alexis Sanchez just before the deadline, but the deals both broke down right at the last.

It was thought that Lemar was set to replace Sanchez who was about to join Manchester City, but the move fell apart down to the lack of time to get things completed.

However, Vasilyev has revealed on Sky Sports that it was very close, but he was glad the player remained at Monaco:

“It was Arsenal that was really close to finalising the deal. It was quite close. At the same time it was just too late, not enough time, to really follow up on this deal. Not all the elements of the puzzle fell in place. I’m very happy he stayed with us…”

He also revealed that the door was open to make another move next summer, or even in January depending on Monaco’s Champions League situation:

“Fair to say Thomas will have a fair chance to an exit next year…”

It’s thought that, as usual with our transfer targets, Spurs and Liverpool are said to be sniffing about the player, both clubs at an advantage with their participation in the Champions League this season, albeit briefly.