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Arsene Wenger has identified Monaco’s Thomas Lemar as a top midfield target this summer.

The Arsenal boss is a huge admirer of the 21-year-old, and is desperate to strengthen his Gunners in that department during the next transfer window.

The fact that Wenger is pushing for the deal is, of course, another clear sign he wants to stay on as manager beyond the expiration of his current contract at the end of the season.

Lemar has been a sensation in French football.

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He made a move from Caen to Monaco in 2015, has earned a call-up to France's senior squad where he has won two caps and has impressed as his club stormed into the Champions League semi-finals.

Wenger has admitted in the past he likes him and was interested before he even joined Monaco — although his price-tag is now likely to be well in excess of £25million.

Arsenal are desperate to rebuild their squad over the summer.

They are confident of landing prized Schalke and Bosnia left-back Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer.

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Although the Gunners could sell star duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, who will both have only 12 months left on their contracts, they are determined to spend big too after a disappointing campaign.

Southampton centre-back and captain Virgil van Dijk is a player they'd love to have but champions-elect Chelsea are in pole position for him.

Arsenal are also looking at signing a new centre-forward, with Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette a prime target, and will want to strengthen their wide areas.

But Lemar is very much at the top of their shopping list.