Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly weighing up a January loan move for Atletico Madrid forward Thomas Lemar, with the deal said to include an option to buy at the end of the season.
The Frenchman has struggled to secure a starting place with Los Rojiblancos since arriving from Monaco for €60m. It's claimed that Spurs will pay the same sum in the summer, should they follow through on their interest, while Lemar's initial loan fee would be €6m.
The Independent report that the Lilywhites are currently in talks with Atletico to bring the 24-year-old to north London this month, though Spurs must compete with several other clubs hoping to purchase him.
Arsenal are known admirers of Lemar, and it's been suggested that the Spanish side have offered his services to the Gunners, who would likely be looking at the same deal as Tottenham.
Recent comments by Atleti boss Diego Simeone have further increased speculation he will leave the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium this month, with the Argentine saying: "Facts speak better than words.
"Lemar is an important player who hasn't been able to develop his game, but who has characteristics that others don't have. His characteristics have always excited me. But, he hasn't been able to live up to expectations."
There may be compliments mixed in there, yet it appears Simeone has ran out of patience with the World Cup winner. A January exit suits player and coach, alike, while Spurs would no doubt benefit from adding firepower to their attack.
Christian Eriksen's time in north London looks to be running out, but the Tottenham hierarchy aren't foolish. If he goes, they'll need to back Jose Mourinho in the transfer market and bring in some reinforcements, which was probably a condition for the Portuguese agreeing to take over.
Lemar moving to Spurs would make sense for everyone involved. The only issue if whether they have the financial muscle to fend off the challenge of numerous European powerhouses.
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Source :
90min
