How Arsenal could line up with Thomas Lemar as Arteta considers transfer for Atletico Madrid flop

MIKEL ARTETA is considering making Thomas Lemar his first major signing at Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger wanted to replace Alexis Sanchez with the Frenchman but he moved to Atletico Madrid instead.

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And Arteta could complete the deal his former manager failed to make as Atleti prepare to move on from Lemar.

The versatile World Cup winner would offer plenty of drive and quality on the ball as part of a midfield trio - helping to link to the Gunners' explosive attacking trident.

And he could also offer an option behind the strikers or in an advanced position on the left flank, where France deployed him in Russia.

Atleti are ready to flog Lemar after both the coaching staff and the board have given up on him, according to reports.

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The Gunners saw a staggering £92million offer for the 24-year-old rejected while he was at Monaco, before he sealed a £63m switch to Atletico in 2018.

Although touted as one of football's brightest young talents, Diego Simeone's once star signing has since struggled to settle at the Wanda Metropolitano.

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And  report that Atletico are ready to cut their losses on Lemar and are already lining up Valencia star Rodrigo as his replacement.

French International Lemar only managed three goals and as many assists in his first La Liga campaign, as the Madrid outfit finished 11 points off champions Barcelona.

He has since found himself relegated to the substitutes bench for most of the current season, and is yet to open his account in his ten appearances.