Guillem Balague: Liverpool were never interested in Lemar
That is according to BBC reporter David Ornstein, who is well-known to have inside knowledge on Arsenal’s transfer business.
Lemar was subject of a £92million bid from Arsenal today, with Monaco accepting the offer.
However, Lemar rejected the move to the Emirates, as he preferred a switch to Liverpool to play Champions League football.
Arsenal showed initial interest in the 23-year-old earlier in the window, having multiple bids turned down for him.
BBC SPORT
Arsenal transfer news: Thomas Lemar told the Gunners he'd join, says BBC Sport's David Ornstein
Thomas Lemar did say he would join Arsenal
David Ornstein on Arsenal target Thomas Lemar
Monaco were refusing to sell at that point, so Arsenal ended their pursuit, with boss Arsene Wenger labelling the deal “completely dead” last week.
However, Ornstein says Lemar was willing to make the move back then.
“Perhaps it’s quite confusing to a player who was being chased by Arsenal in the summer and it’s our understanding that he did say he would join Arsenal,” Ornstein said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“He was prepared to make the move.
BBC SPORT
BBC Sport reporter David Ornstein: Thomas Lemar was willing to move to Arsenal
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“But when that interest ended, it was almost like it was put to bed.
“And on the final day of the window, you’re possibly back on.
“So, how does that affect your mindset as a player?”
Lemar was set to replace Alexis Sanchez at Arsenal but his move to Manchester City now looks to be over.
City had a bid accepted of an initial £55million for the contract rebel but Arsenal's failure to sign a replacement means he will now stay at the club.
