Lemar lookout
ARSENAL and Liverpool have been given renewed hope of signing Monaco star Thomas Lemar.
The winger was reportedly the subject of a huge £90million offer from the Gunners on transfer deadline day last August.
And Lemar, 22, admits that he was “disappointed” a move to the Premier League did not materialise last summer.
The wide man, who scored for France against Colombia on Friday, has also been heavily linked with Liverpool. And Lemar will have put both clubs – and others in England – on red alert after admitting he hopes there will be more approaches.
Asked if he had regrets about not getting his dream move, Lemar said: “Maybe. I was a little disappointed. Once it’s over, it’s over, so I do not think about it. “I will keep working hard so these clubs eventually come back in the next transfer window. I am open to all offers. I do not close any door.” DEMARAI GRAY admits his inconsistency may have cost him full England recognition.
The Leicester winger had to be content with a goal and the captaincy as Aidy Boothroyd’s Under-21s beat Romania 2-1 in the Cyrille Regis International at Molineux.
Gray has seen U21s team-mates such as Lewis Cook, Tammy Abraham and Dominic Solanke promoted to Gareth Southgate’s full squad while he has stayed with the age group.
“I’ve got lots of areas for improvement and it’s an important time for my development,” said Gray. “It’s just my consistency, but it’s normal for young players to be like that.
“Even at your club if you’re not consistent, you’re not going to play week in, week out. You need to be trusted.”
Gray is frustrated to miss out, but is convinced his time will come and has not ruled out getting into the World Cup squad.
“I wouldn’t really call it disappointment, it happens as you grow up,” he added. “It was good to see Lewis, Tammy and Dom go with the first team. You see all your mates progressing and you’re proud for them achieving things. It shows the England manager has faith in young players and that if you’re doing well, everyone’s got a chance.
“I want to be up there. I believe my time will come. Maybe I wasn’t ready or he didn’t think it was my time.
“But I believe in myself, I’ve got to keep working hard. I’m confident in time I’ll get my opportunity.”
Gray put England ahead with a deflected shot in the eighth minute. Jake Clarke-Salter made it 2-0 with a 73rd-minute header before Valentin Costache scored a late consolation.