Arsenal and Liverpool target Thomas Lemar 'turns down new Monaco deal

Monaco star Thomas Lemar has rejected a new contract with the French club, handing Liverpool and Arsenal a huge boost.

Both Premier League sides were keen to sign the 22-year-old last summer, with Lemar thought to be keen on a switch, but Monaco chose to keep hold of their midfielder.
They have been dealt a blow in their attempts to retain him beyond this season, as, according to French outlet L'Equipe, he has refused to extend his stay at the club.
Lemar is hopeful that turning down an extension to his deal means he will be allowed to leave in the summer window — he is keen to move to the Premier League.
The France international's current contract does not expire until summer 2020, but knowing he will not add any years to that is likely to impact Monaco's decision making.
Liverpool eyed Lemar as a possible purchase to replace Philippe Coutinho, who joined Barcelona in a £145million deal in January.
Arsenal have been keen on Lemar since last summer, trying to bring him to the Emirates then, and went back in for him after selling Alexis Sanchez.

But Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev was clear that one of the club's key players would not leave in January.
'He will stay at Monaco until the end of the season 100 per cent,' Vasilyev told RMC.
'If Liverpool or Arsenal come with a big offer before the end of the market? This is not relevant.
'We will say 'no' because the objectives are clear. Without important players like Lemar, we will not succeed.'

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