Arsenal intend to make an increased £45 million bid for Monaco’s Thomas Lemar as the French champions also face renewed pressure from Real Madrid over a potential world record £161 million deal for Kylian Mbappe.

With Alexis Sanchez expected to outline a desire to leave when he returns on Monday for pre-season training, Arsenal are still pursuing Lemar, even though they have had two bids in excess of £30 million turned down so far this summer.

Monaco have already made a series of other major sales and were resolved to keeping Lemar although it is understood that he was regarded as key to persuading the 18-year-old Mbappe to stay and sign a new contract.

Mbappe has become the most sought after player in world football and it was reported on Tuesday by the Spanish newspaper Marca that Monaco and Real had “in principle” settled on a basic £143.5 million fee that would include £17.5 million of potential add-ons.

A six-year contract worth around £6.26 million was also quoted. Marca’s close links with Real has given the story extra credibility but Monaco responded by communicating that no deal had been agreed.