Arsene Wenger on Thomas Lemar and Riyad Mahrez transfer rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has not ruled out making a move for Thomas Lemar in the January transfer window – but he won’t go for Riyad Mahrez.

The duo were persistently linked with moves to the Emirates over the summer, with Arsenal trying to sign Lemar before a deal fell through on deadline day.

Wenger always denied he held an interest in Leicester winger Mahrez. Reports suggest Arsenal will move for the pair when the January transfer window opens, with a need to replace Alexis Sanchez, who is expected to move on.

Speaking ahead of his side’s Europa League tie with Red Star Belgrade, Wenger said his focus is on keeping contract rebels Sanchez and Mesut Ozil at the club – but he wouldn’t rule out making a move for Lemar in the January transfer market.

On the Monaco winger, Wenger said: ‘No [there is no truth in the rumours]. At the moment, I told you I have a big squad, problem for me is to keep the squad together for the rest of the season.

‘Do we go in the January transfer market? I don’t know yet.’

Reports suggest that Arsenal are growing increasingly confident a deal for Lemar can be done – although they will face competition from Barcelona and Liverpool for his signature.

Speaking about Lemar last month, Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev told Sky Sports:

‘Liverpool were really interested. 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.

‘Definitely next summer [it] will be something to look at, although you know in football there are no guarantees.’