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Barcelona add Thomas Lemar to summer transfer target list

By Benjamin Barkworth

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 15: Thomas Lemar of AS Monaco reacts during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain and AS Monaco at Parc des Princes on April 15, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 15: Thomas Lemar of AS Monaco reacts during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain and AS Monaco at Parc des Princes on April 15, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona’s list of targets continue to grow as the uncertainty over Antoine Griezmann continues.

Sport have reported that Lemar is being monitored by the club, but a move is unlikely to happen before the World Cup because he is focused on preparing for the tournament. The 22-year-old was linked with multiple clubs last summer, but a move failed to materialise. However, he is unlikely to stay another season at Monaco with the club better prepared for his departure.

His performances suffered in the absence of some of the key players from the 2016/17 season. Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Benjamin Mendy all moved on last summer. Lemar scored two goals and provided eight assists in 30 league games. Monaco were unable to hold on to the league title as PSG comfortably brushed them aside and resumed normality.

There is no doubting Lemar’s talent, but France are blessed with an exceptionally strong pool of players to choose from. He made the World Cup squad, but is unlikely to start for France. Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele and Nabil Fekir are all above him in the pecking order. Therefore, his opportunities are likely to be limited to substitute appearances in the tournament.

Is he needed?

The short answer is no. Barcelona already have a talented French winger in Dembele who has much higher potential than Lemar. He is younger and better technically. Therefore, they have little need for another winger especially for £79 million, which is the rumoured price. Lemar can play as a central attacking midfielder as well, but there isn’t a role for him there in Barcelona’s current set-up with central midfield likely to be too deep and unusual for him.

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It’s understandable that Barca are looking for other attacking targets to prepare for the potential outcome of Griezmann not joining. This isn’t the right direction to go in, though. Last season highlighted Lemar’s shortcomings because he was unable to step up after the departure of key players. He would be surrounded by top players at Barcelona, so his statistics would naturally improve. However, they need players who can take some of the responsibility off key players such as Lionel Messi.

Other clubs are interested, including Premier League sides, so they don’t want to get dragged into a bidding war. This is the perfect situation for Monaco because it could push the transfer fee up significantly. The TV rights deal means Premier League teams have significant financial resources at their disposal. Barcelona would be best avoiding this especially because he would be a luxury signing at best.

Next: Chumi inks two-year extension

The recent links with Cristian Pavon make a lot more sense because he would be a lot cheaper while offering a similar skillset. Lemar is another rumoured target that should be avoided this summer.