Tottenham have held discussions with Atletico Madrid over a deal for winger Thomas Lemar, according to reports in France.
Lemar has struggled with hamstring injuries this season and has started only nine games in La Liga, leading to talk of a January exit. Spurs and Arsenal are said to be chief among his suitors.
However, French outlet Foot Mercato claims Tottenham cannot afford to buy Lemar as Atletico want to recoup the €72m they paid for him in the summer of 2018. Instead, it is believed Spurs have spoken to the La Liga club about taking Lemar on loan.
The report suggests the Londoners are attempting to secure a loan deal with an option to buy. If that were to happen, it’s likely Tottenham would want to agree a future fee far lower than the €72m being mooted.
More than anything, Lemar, probably isn’t worth that amount anymore after struggling to make an impact for Atletico. At one point, the 24-year-old looked as if he would be a regular for the French national team but his stock has fallen over the last couple of years.
Still, he would be a useful addition to Jose Mourinho’s squad. There is a chance Spurs will receive a fee for Christian Eriksen this month, so perhaps the money could go towards a deal for Lemar.
