Chelsea are ready to hijack Arsenal’s January move for Thomas Lemar.
The Monaco winger has been on Arsene Wenger’s radar for some time and was the subject of a £92 million transfer deadline day offer from the gunners on this summer.
The deal however fell through, but Arsenal have not given up hope in bringing the 22 year-old to the Emirates.
However, their objective just got a little tougher after reports that Antonio Conte is ready to bid for Lemar in January.
But Telegraph Sport claim that Chelsea hold a strong and genuine interest in Lemar, and are weighing up a potential bid of their own.
An offer anywhere near the £80 million touted for Lemar would smash Chelsea’s previous transfer record which stands at £57 million for Alvaro Morata.
Lemar has been mediocre in Ligue 1 so far this season – he’s netted just once, but has provided three assists for his teammates.
Wenger’s side will need to act fast if they still want to get their man.