Monaco will not sell winger Thomas Lemar before the end of the January transfer window, according to the club’s vice president Vadim Vasilyev.
The Evening Standard reported earlier this month that the 22 year old was a transfer priority for Chelsea, but it has become clear that the French international is not for sale.
There had been speculation that Monaco could let Lemar leave for £90m with Arsenal and Liverpool also in the race for the winger, but speaking to French radio station RMC Sport (quotes via the Mirror), Vasilyev confirmed the player was going nowhere:
“He will stay at Monaco until the end of the season 100 per cent. 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.”
The Frenchman has been sidelined for the last couple of games with a thigh injury, and he has also had spells out with shoulder and hamstring injuries . Still, it must be said, he has struggled for form this campaign.
In 23 appearances for Monaco this season, Lemar has scored only three goals and provided five assists for his team mates.
