Liverpool may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Thomas Lemar - with suggestions Arsenal have lined up an alternative to replace Alexis Sanchez.

The Gunners were the Reds' main competition for the French international in the summer, with their deal for the Monaco man falling through on deadline day - not long after Liverpool failed to agree terms with the Ligue 1 club over bringing him to Anfield.

Lemar would have preferred a move to Merseyside, with Liverpool remaining interested in the player, particularly after the £142million sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

However, he remains likeliest to be pursued in the summer as Jurgen Klopp assesses his options in this transfer window.

Arsenal were anticipated to offer competition for his signature, reviving their interest ahead of the likely sale of Sanchez to Manchester City.

But now, Arsene Wenger's side have been linked with £45million-rated Brazilian winger Malcom.

The Bordeaux star has been in impressive form for Bordeaux, with the 20-year-old on the club's list of targets, according to widespread reports.

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Though Lemar remains on their radar, this possibly shows they are willing to look elsewhere to replace their wantaway Chilean.