Arsenal and Liverpool set to renew interest in Thomas Lemar in summer after Monaco vice-president admits he can leave

ARSENAL and Liverpool are set to go back in for Thomas Lemar next summer, according to reports.

The Monaco star pulled the plug on a £92million deadline day move to the Gunners with vice president Vadim Vasilyev confirming the deal was “really close.”

AFP or licensors

But the Mirror report that Liverpool are ready to rival Arsene Wenger again in the chase for the highly-rated Frenchman.

Arsenal and the Reds would be unlikely to pull of a January swoop as Lemar, 21, is reluctant to move mid-season before a World Cup.

And Vasilyev also admitted letting Lemar go in January would not be in Monaco’s best interests.

Vasilyev told Sky Sports: “Liverpool were really interested.

AFP or licensors

AFP - Getty

“But it was Arsenal that was really close to finalising the deal. It was quite close.

“At the same time it was just too late, not enough time, to really follow up on this deal.

“Not all the elements of the puzzle fell in place.

“I’m very happy he stayed with us. For us, we need a player like Thomas Lemar. He’s very important to our team.

Reuters

"[But] definitely next summer will be something to look at, although you know in football there are no guarantees.

"We had some players who were supposed to leave this summer but didn’t because of X, Y, Z.

"I think it would be fair to say Thomas will have a fair chance to exit next year.

REFFIN ELL': Find out why Liverpool are already doomed ahead of Saturday's clash with United

Rex Features

Reuters

"January, in football, never say never, but this is not what we’re thinking of, this is really not in our plans.

"January doesn’t seem like the right time for major changes in the team."

As a bumper Premier League weekend, including Liverpool vs Manchester United, approaches, check out seven incredible things to look out for...