13 May 2023 , 05:30
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The latter stages of the Arsene Wenger era seem like a distant memory to most of the Arsenal faithful given how current boss Mikel Arteta has exceeded expectations this season.
However, the name of one key figure of the back end of Wenger's reign - despite never actually signing for Arsenal, has appeared once again. Thomas Lemar is available to secure on a free transfer this summer as the Frenchman's time at Atletico Madrid nears its end.
Lemar was of course the subject of a memorable £92million bid from what was then Wenger's Arsenal back in August of 2017 according to reports. At the time the wide-forward was just 21 years of age and was an integral part of the Monaco side that captured hearts as they won the 2016/17 Ligue 1 and reached the last four of the Champions League.
During that season, Lemar bagged 12 goals and weaved his influence as Monaco ended their 17-year wait for a league title, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Bernardo Silva also playing starring roles.
In July of that year, Wenger was alleged to have submitted a £30m offer for Lemar as he aimed to bolster Arsenal's attacking talent. The Gunners had to also deal with interest from Liverpool, but in the end neither were successful as Monaco stood firm and kept hold of Lemar.
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Though Arsenal were willing to fork out a club record fee to bring the exciting talent to the Emirates that summer, they did not reginite their interest 12 months later when it became a deal for Lemar would be possible.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Arsenal sign Lemar on a free this summer? Comment below
Thomas Lemar is used sparingly by Atletico Madrid nowadaysInstead, the France international joined LaLiga giants Atletico for £58m the following summer but things have not worked out for Lemar in the Spanish capital.
Not since his debut campaign at the club has Lemar started in more than half of Atletico's league games and as a result they have no rush to offer him a new deal.
With a tally of just one goal and three assists across 30 appearances in all competitions this term, it is unlikely Lemar has a lengthy list of suitors in a desperate rush to secure his signature.
Arteta has been keen on adding to Arsenal's wide talent in windows gone by and could view Lemar as the ideal deputy for both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka given the Frenchman's ability to operate on either attacking flank.
After leading the Premier League for the majority of the season, it looks as if the Gunners are going to come up short and miss out on a first league title since 2004 as reigning champions Manchester City are firmly in the driving seat.
Arsenal need Pep Guardiola's men to slip up in two of their final four games for the Gunners to strike.