Opinion: Three Players who could leave AS Monaco before transfer deadline

French champions AS Monaco have found themselves in the middle of a transfer tussle with several of their first-team players being linked with proposed moves away from Stade Louis II. Bernardo Silva and Tiemoue Bakayoko have already left for Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, but they could be further exits from the squad amid strong interest from several elite clubs. Calcio Insider today looks into three players, who could end their association with the Principality outfit before next month’s transfer deadline.

Benjamin Mendy: The France international has been tipped to join one of Manchester City or Chelsea in the Premier League, but unfortunately a move has not materialised as of yet. Monaco are said to demand fees of at least £50m for the highly-rated left-back and a deal could be finalised in the coming weeks with the Citizens, in particular, keen on having him onboard. Mendy snubbed advances from cross-city rivals Manchester United prior to his switch to Monaco from Marseille last summer.

Thomas Lemar: The former Caen man is a top transfer target for Premier League club Arsenal. Arsene Wenger’s side have already failed with two separate bids for the versatile attacker, and they are expected to lodge a fresh £50m attempt for the Frenchman. The 21-year-old bagged 14 goals and 14 assists in a standout season for Monaco, and he is now eager to make the switch to the big-time. Monaco are fully aware of the potential Lemar possesses, and they are likely to prolong negotiations in order to increase his overall valuation.

Fabinho: Probably the more likelier to leave Monaco ahead of Kylian Mbappe. Fabinho has been heavily tipped for an exit over the past year or so, but the Principality club are eager to hold onto his services following the departure of Bakayoko. Summer signing Youri Tielemans is likely to provide the driving force from the centre of the park but Fabinho still remains a vital piece of their jigsaw puzzle. Both Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United have been credited with an interest, but a move to the former could be ruled out – due to Monaco’s reluctance to sell to a domestic rival.

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