According to Goal, Wolverhampton Wanderers are one of three Premier League clubs vying for the signature of Atletico Madrid attacker Thomas Lemar.
What’s the word?
It is believed that Diego Simeone is keen on adding a striker to his armoury this month, but for that to happen, there has to be a departure of some kind with Thomas Lemar being the ‘chosen one.’
Simeone claims the Frenchman hasn’t lived up to expectations in Madrid.
The report suggests that the La Liga outfit has circulated his availability, resulting in interest from the west Midlanders as well as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Lemar is a client of super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has deep ties with Wolves having brokered many deals since Fosun took ownership in 2016.
The Portuguese representative has even completed a few between the two clubs with Jonny and Diogo Jota both switching the Spanish capital for Molineux in recent seasons.
Jota upgrade?
Lemar’s time at Atletico has been nothing short of disappointing after a £52.7m move from Monaco in the summer of 2018. In 64 appearances, he has managed just three goals and six assists, per Transfermarkt.
However, the red and white stripes of Madrid has notoriously been an unhappy hunting ground for many a forward under Simeone – their creative issues have been highlighted here, while his style of play is well renowned for being defensively-focused.
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Therefore, Lemar can be given a free pass, for the time being. He’s only 24 after all and still has plenty to offer, which is why Wolves must pursue him at all costs this month.
The wide man helped Monaco to a Ligue 1 title as well as a Champions League semi-final, and directly contributed to 55 goals in his 127 appearances at the club, via Transfermarkt.
Phillipe Tranchant, who unearthed Lemar’s talent as a 12-year-old playing football in Guadeloupe, once labelled him as “extraordinary” while his dribbling ability, versatility and impressive use of both feet are also highlighted throughout the same article.
This makes him an exciting prospect for Nuno Santo, especially given Jota’s struggles this term – he has bagged just three times in 19 league matches, two of which in the same game while he is yet to provide an assist, which is poor considering he’s hit at least five in the previous two seasons, per WhoScored.
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If the Portuguese boss can unearth the player that was at Monaco, then Wolves will have an elite talent on their hands, one that would be an instant upgrade on the faltering Jota.
He would also bring squad depth with his ability to play anywhere across the front three.
And in other news, John Ruddy believes he knows exactly who can replace the departing Jesus Vallejo this month…
