Wenger admits, Lemar shun Arsenal for Monaco stay

Thomas Lemar turned down a deadline-day move to Arsenal in favour of staying at Monaco, Arsene Wenger admitted.

The Gunners reportedly bid £92 million for the France international on Thursday in a deal that would have paved the way for Alexis Sanchez to join Manchester City.

But Arsenal could not get the transfer over the line and Wenger has now revealed that it was Lemar's decision to remain in the principality.

"The player has chosen to stay in Monaco," Wenger told beIN Sports.

"You do not want to talk too much about... you have to respect what happens on the negotiation side.

Arsenal subsequently refused to sell Alexis, who has less than one year remaining on his contract and has indicated he will not extend his stay in north London.

Lemar had been linked with Liverpool before Arsenal re-entered the race to sign him after an impressive 2016-17 campaign in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

UCJ, UNILORIN.