ARSENAL have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Atletico Madrid star Thomas Lemar due to a lack of transfer funds.
Mikel Arteta’s side were expected to battle it out with Tottenham for the 24-year-old’s signature this month.
But according to Goal, the Gunners are no longer interested in signing the out-of-favour French winger.
Arteta does not view him as a priority and the club do not have the funds to meet Atletico’s 50million valuation.
Instead, the Gunners are set to battle it out against Manchester United and Chelsea for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.
Arsenal’s change of heart will pave the way for Jose Mourinho to land his top target as he looks to bolster his injury-struck squad.
The Tottenham boss is determined to bring in reinforcements as Harry Kane, Ben Davies, Danny Rose, Tanguy Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko are all out of action.
It is reported that Tottenham are considering a loan move with an option to buy him at the end of the deal.
Lemar, who came close to signing for Arsenal in 2017, has failed to live up to expectations since his 52.7million move from Monaco.
Diego Simeone is willing to offload the Frenchman as he has scored just three times in 64 appearances for the club.
The speedy winger has not scored or made an assist for the Spanish giants this season.
