Barcelona are ready to battle Arsenal and Liverpool for the signing of Thomas Lemar, according to reports in Catalonia.
The La Liga champions are looking to bring in at least one big-name this summer, in a bid to wrestle the Champions League from Real Madrid’s grasp.
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Antoine Griezmann looked a certainty to join from Atletico Madrid, but his future appears less clear, with recent reports suggesting he could stay put.
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And Sport are now claiming that Barcelona have turned their attentions to Lemar, 22, and believe a bid of up to £80million would be enough to land him from Monaco.
The Catalans are still hopeful of concluding a deal for Griezmann, 27, though he has a huge offer on the table from the Rojiblancos, which they will not be able to match.
It is believed Atletico have promised him they will make the necessary signings to make them competitive — with Lemar actually one of the targets mentioned.
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French players at Barcelona
Rene Victor Fenouillere — 1902-1903
Henry Normand — 1908-09
Jim Carlier — 1913-14
Maurice Bigue — 1913-14
Jean Verdoux — 1917-18
Peijean — 1928
Jules Robisco — 1948
Lucien Muller — 1965-68
Laurent Blanc — 1996-97
Christophe Dugarry — 1997-98
Frederic Dehu — 1999-2000
Emmanuel Petit — 2000-01
Philippe Christanval — 2001-03
Ludovic Giuly — 2004-07
Ludovic Sylvestre — 2006
Lilian Thuram — 2006-08
Eric Abidal — 2007-13
Seydou Keita — 2008-12
Thierry Henry — 2008-10
Jeremy Mathieu — 2014-17
Lucas Digne — 2016-present
Samuel Umtiti — 2016-present
Ousmane Dembele — 2017-present
Arsenal and Liverpool were interested in the winger last summer, but failed to agree a deal with Monaco, meaning Alexis Sanchez and Philippe Coutinho respectively were forced to stay on until January.
Lemar’s form has dipped this season, with some claiming his head had been turned by the offers, and others insisting he missed the partnership with Benjamin Mendy down the left-hand side.
Sport also add that, he would likely play as a direct replacement for Andres Iniesta, with Coutinho being moved further forward.
Barcelona are also keeping tabs on Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen.