Arsene Wenger has dismissed claims that Thomas Lemar refused to sign for Arsenal.
The Gunners appeared willing to let Alexis Sanchez leave for Manchester City on deadline day. Sanchez has made clear his desire to depart.
City reportedly offered €65million on deadline day, a deal Arsenal were willing to accept provided they were able to find a replacement.
Lemar was lined up by the Premier League side and Monaco were willing to do business and were thought to have accepted a bid in the region of €100million from the Gunners.
Lemar was not keen on the move and instead decided he would remain with the French club.
Wenger though says that is not the full story:
“It’s not true. He decided to stay in Monaco, yes, you have to respect that, the player has three years of his contract to go, overall, you have to respect that.”
The Frenchman also addressed Alexis Sanchez mindset having failed to force through a move to Manchester City.
He now expects the Chilean to commit to the cause for this season.
Arsene Wenger opens up about Alexis Sanchez trying to force a move away from #AFC pic.twitter.com/Lwhx75DH3n
— 98FM Sport (@98FMsport) September 7, 2017