Liverpool have ended their interest in Monaco forward Thomas Lemar, according to reports.
The Reds were thought to be one of a host of European sides interested in the 22-year-old Frenchman ahead of the summer transfer window.
Having sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in a staggering £142million deal in January, manager Jurgen Klopp is on the hunt for a replacement and was eyeing a move for young Frenchman Lemar.
However, according to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool have removed the Monaco ace from their list of targets, leaving Premier League rivals Arsenal in pose position to sign him.
This latest news comes after Liverpool appeared to be have been given a boost in their pursuit after Lemar reportedly refused to sign a new contract with the French club.
However, the Reds have decided to end their pursuit, and will now focus on other targets ahead of the summer window.
It is claimed Liverpool’s sporting director Michael Edwards held talks with Monaco last August over a potential move for Lemar, but the Reds were unable to agree a deal.
READ MORE: Thomas Lemar – Arsenal and Liverpool target earns 30 times less than PSG star Neymar per week
Arsenal’s interest in the Frenchman is said to have bumped up their asking price for the youngster, and Liverpool were not prepared to meet their demands, with Klopp feeling the funds would be better spent elsewhere.
Lemar caught the attention of Liverpool and Arsenal after he scored 14 goals and claimed 17 assists as Monaco won the Ligue 1 title and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.
However, possibly due to the uncertainly over his future, the youngster has failed to repeat that form this term and has only three goals and five assists in 23 appearances.