5 alternatives to Thomas Lemar at Arsenal

Despite numerous attempts over the summer, it seems like Monaco are holding firm to their promise that they will not be selling Thomas Lemar to Arsenal this summer. That still leaves an attacking void that needs to be filled by someone this summer or Gunners fans will have to prepare for another year of Theo Walcott being inconsistent.

So, with the French international out of the picture, who else can Arsene Wenger turn to? Who can complement the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette in Arsenal’s attacking front? Here’s a look at five alternatives that they should look to lure to the Emirates Stadium.

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#5 Nabil Fekir

While Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas would like Arsene Wenger not to steal another of his prized assets this summer, Nabil Fekir could be the perfect foil for his attacking quartet.

A dazzling runner with quick feet and an eye for goal, the Frenchman has shown in the past that he can be a real threat in the final third. It would be a dream to have Ozil playing behind a triplet that is always looking to make clever runs and find attacking positions.

He’s not hit the dizzying heights he had a few years ago due to injury but now back to full fitness, he could be worth the gamble for a modest fee, at least by today’s standards. His history of being hurt often could hold them back from fully committing but he’s the kind of player that would make them exciting again.

#2 Emil Forsberg

If you’re looking at Lemar, you clearly want a little bit of creativity on your side along with a few extra goals. Put that in a search engine and RB Leipzig man Emil Forsberg's name will pop out, the top assist maker in the Bundesliga last season.

The Swedish international was integral to his team’s second-place finish, regularly coming up with the goods to feed the likes of Timo Werner on 19 separate occasions. Add his eight goals to that tally and he was a part of almost half of Leipzig’s 66 goals in the league last season.

Adding another footballing brain for Sanchez and Lacazette to not only feed off but supply too as well makes this all the more impressive of a move, should they try for it.

#3 Wilfried Zaha

Some will point to the struggles he had at a big club before but Wilfried Zaha has got past it and so should you. The Ivorian was key to Crystal Palace’s survival last season and the winger has been linked with the other club in North London for the last few months.

What if their closest rivals stole a march on them and snatched him in front of their noses?

Fast, quick-footed and a crowd pleaser, Zaha is the kind of player that can transform games when he’s fully focused and motivated. Getting a chance to play at the top end of the table again should give him that and with plenty more experience in his locker, he could be the extra x-factor that the Gunners are looking for from their front three.

#4 Lucas Moura

Why not replace one Lucas with another? The Perez variety has not quite worked out in London and while the Moura version has been a little lost in Paris, a change of scenery could do him the world of good.

When he’s on his game, he can be a real livewire to watch. He can take on players like they weren’t even there, he tends to pop up at the ideal moments in games and despite his critics in France, 12 goals and five assists are nothing to turn away from.

You might have to ask his best mate Neymar nicely, but this is certainly an achievable deal at a potentially affordable price.

#5 Riyad Mahrez

One year on, the player Arsenal targeted last season has his name crop up again. Riyad Mahrez was mesmerising in Leicester City’s 2015/16 title-winning campaign but cooled off in the following season as the team dipped back into mid-table.

Despite that, he still showed flashes of fantastic talent and on his day, he can be a real handful for even the best defences. Sticking with the Foxes for another year might have been pleasantly sentimental but it’s now stalling his exit from the club that he desperately needs to rediscover his former glories.

If anything, he at least adds some experience of winning the Premier League that Arsenal could use? Or is that being a little too cheeky?