According to L’Equipe, Liverpool and Arsenal have different plans for Thomas Lemar, who remains a target for both.
They claim that Jurgen Klopp sees him more as a central playmaker, while Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will deploy him in wide positions across the frontline, should our rivals complete a deal ahead of us.
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Thomas Lemar update – Klopp has say in £90m transfer
The report has been translated by the reliable Get French Football.
L'Équipe today mention that Jürgen Klopp wants to sign Thomas Lemar to play in the #10 role, whereas Arsène Wenger would play him more freely across the attacking midfield line, but no update on any possible transfer.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 16, 2018
There is no update though on whether either side plan on making a bid before the month is up.
The £90m rumoured price-tag feels incredibly steep, especially with Lemar scoring just two goals this season, registering a further four assists.
We cannot imagine Liverpool will be keen if that’s the price required, but imagine we might be if it was roughly one third less – £60m feels more reasonable in this climate.
The report suggests using Lemar as a no.10, but we can only imagine they mean in the central creative spot Coutinho occupied, which was really more of a no.8 – as Liverpool play a 4-3-3 in the main.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain proved on Sunday against Manchester City however that he could develop into this role himself, registering a goal and an assist against the runaway title leaders.
Buying nobody this January would be a risk, but not one we imagine Klopp is scared of taking.