Arsenal have been handed a blow in their pursuit of Monaco winger Thomas Lemar with club vice president Vadim Vasilyev insisting he will not be sold.
Recent reports have claimed Arsenal are closing in on a £45m deal for the youngster, having agreed personal terms, with a deal set to be concluded soon.
However, Vasilyev insists the 21-year-old, and midfielder Fabinho, will be going nowhere this summer, having already seen Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy and Tiemoué Bakayoko leave the club.
“Fabinho and Lemar are essential players, they will stay with us,” he told a press conference before also insisting Kylian Mbappe has not agreed a deal with Real Madrid, despite speculation to the contrary.
“I assure you there is no agreement with a club. We have very great demand for Mbappé. He’s the biggest prospect in world football. We are discussing an extension with Kylian. I hope we’ll get there.”
Vasilyev’s words will be a real blow to Arsenal, particularly as the latest reports claimed that Arsenal were making real progress and becoming confident of signing Lemar.
If Monaco do refuse to sell, then the Gunners may be forced to look elsewhere, with Riyad Mahrez the obvious Plan B at this point.
Arsene Wenger has already revealed his admiration for the Leicester winger, who has also announced his intention to quit the Foxes this summer.