Former footballer Steve Nicol is not buying into reports that have linked Atletico Madrid winger Thomas Lemar with a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur.
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Last week, Tottenham were thought to have started discussions over a possible move for the Frenchman, according to Foot Mercato.
Speaking about the chances of Spurs succeeding in a deal to bring the 24-year-old to north London for ESPN FC, Nicol pointed to the enormous transfer fee they may have to part with as well as Lemar’s poor record in front of goal this season.
He said: “What this guy’s shown at Atleti, you wouldn’t buy him in a heartbeat. He’s got no goals and no assists! What is he, £90m?
“Right now, regardless of the currency, who’s going to part with any money for this guy? Unless it’s a no-brainer, unless you’re getting him for £20m.
“Are Atleti really going to turn around after spending that amount of money on him, not far off 12 months ago, and let him go for £20m? I just don’t see it, at all.”
Whatever Lemar’s price tag, it seems clear that Nicol should perhaps undertake some more research – mainly as the World Cup winner moved to Madrid for €72m (around £61.3m in today’s money).
However, that is nevertheless a steep value for a player with no goals or assists in any of his 21 appearances for the club this season, even if he has started just 10 of those.
That said, this is a player who possesses some promise, with his exploits in helping Monaco to the Ligue 1 title in 2016/17 attracting the interest of Arsenal, who reportedly failed with a bid of around £92m for his services that summer – which is possibly where Nicol had his wires crossed.
But with Foot Mercato suggesting that Spurs would have to match what Atletico Madrid paid for the player in mid-2018, Nicol may be right in eventually suggesting that the move is probably off the cards – especially considering Tottenham were unfamiliarly heavy spenders in the previous window.
Spurs fans, how much would you be happy to spend on Thomas Lemar? Share your thoughts below!
