Tottenham considering loan-to-buy transfer for Arsenal target Thomas Lemar with £51m permanent in offing

TOTTENHAM are considering a loan move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Lemar with an option to buy at the end of the deal.

Lemar has been out-of-favour with Atletico boss Diego Simeone and the Independent are reporting Spurs could make a move for the French international.

Jose Mourinho will be keen to add to his squad, who have just lost Harry Kane to injury for at least six weeks.

Lemar, who nearly joined Arsenal in 2017, has struggled to make an impact at the Spanish side since his £52.7m move from Monaco.

The 24-year-old has scored just three times in 64 appearances and a change could happen soon.

Simeone hasn’t ruled out a move for Lemar and admitted the midfielder has failed to live up to expectations: “If Lemar can stay or not.. we know that agents work in an exemplary way,” Simeone said in a recent press conference.

“Clubs work in terms of the needs of the clubs.

“But, as a footballer, every time he has been available, he’s played a lot more than he hasn’t played.

“His characteristics have always excited me.

“But he hasn’t been able to live up to expectations.

“Let’s hope he has a good moment when he comes back from injury.”

It has been reported that a loan fee of around €6m could be enough to bring the Frenchman to North London but Arsenal could battle with Spurs to secure the signing.

Lemar isn’t the only player to be linked with Tottenham.

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has also been rumoured to be on Jose Mourinho’s wanted list.

Mourinho will be keen to add to his squad who have only won once in the last five matches.