Monday 17 July 2017 14:35, UK
Monaco's Thomas Lemar is one of the best players in France and has the "right profile" to play for Arsenal, according to Robert Pires.
The Gunners have already had several offers for the 21-year-old turned down this summer, but Sky sources say Arsene Wenger still hopes to strike a deal to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
Lemar helped Monaco to the Ligue 1 title last season, scoring nine goals and claiming 10 assists, and former Arsenal and France winger Pires believes his countryman would be an excellent addition.
"I love him as a player," Pires told Sky Sports. "For me, Thomas Lemar is one of the best French players there is. He can play on the left, he can play on the right, he can score goals and he can make assists."
Arsenal have already signed Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon in a deal that could rise to £52m, but Wenger is eyeing more attacking reinforcements as speculation surrounding Alexis Sanchez's future continues.
The Gunners boss says he has given up on signing Kylian Mbappe, but Pires feels he would be wise to continue his pursuit of Lemar as he aims to turn the Gunners into genuine title contenders next season.
"Lemar is the kind of player who can make a difference," said the former Invincible. "He has the right profile to play for Arsenal, definitely. I hope for him and for Arsenal that it happens."
Sanchez, meanwhile, says he wants to play in the Champions League but insists his future depends on Arsenal. Wenger is reluctant to sell him to Manchester City despite him entering the final year of his contract.