Thomas Lemar snubs Liverpool and Arsenal interest to sign for Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid have announced they have reached an agreement in principle with Monaco to sign midfielder Thomas Lemar.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool in the past, but is now on his way to Spain.

Atletico said in a statement on their official website: “Atletico de Madrid and AS Monaco have achieved a preliminary agreement over the transfer of Thomas Lemar to our club.

“Over the next days, both clubs will work to close the agreement for the definitive transfer.”

According to reports in Lemar’s native France, the winger, who is currently in Russia with the national team, will assume the No.10 shirt vacated by Yannick Carrasco.

Earlier reports on Tuesday suggested the deal was close and could be the catalyst to Antoine Griezmann extending his stay at the Wanda Metropolitano.

According to French outlet Canal+ France, the Barcelona target wanted big-name signings and a significant salary hike to stay.

Speculation he could leave for Barca has intensified after a statement released on Tuesday suggested he could be off this summer.

He said: “The decision has been taken but it is not the time or the place to talk about it.

“I am very sorry, I know you have all been waiting but I will not give my decision today.”

The arrival of Thomas Lemar could see ‘Grizi’ stay in Madrid however.