According to Yahoo Sports, Monaco attacker Thomas Lemar has rejected Arsenal and Manchester United in favour of joining Liverpool.

What's the story?

Arsenal came extremely close to signing Lemar during last summer's transfer window, with the Gunners minutes from completing a deal.

The breakdown of Alexis Sanchez's expected move to Manchester City saw the deal go cold, however, and Lemar is still a Monaco player.

Arsenal and Man United are both believed to be interested in the France international, but according to Yahoo Sports, it is Liverpool that have won the race.

The Reds reportedly want Lemar as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho, and believe that they can secure a deal for the winger before the January transfer window closes for business.

What would Lemar bring to Liverpool?

Lemar only turned 22 in the latter stages of 2017, but has already made more than 100 first-team appearances for Ligue 1 champions Monaco.

The attacker scored 14 goals in 55 appearances for Monaco during the 2016-17 season as the principality club won Ligue 1, in addition to reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

This term, Lemar, who is valued at £27m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has scored twice and registered four assists in 13 league appearances.

It is a case of when and not if the Frenchman leaves his current club, and it would be some coup for Liverpool if they managed to win the race ahead of their Premier League rivals.

The expected loss of Coutinho will be a tough one for the Liverpool fans to swallow, but Lemar would certainly ease the blow.

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