The Frenchman came close to completing a move to the Premier League last summer with Arsenal and Liverpool both battling for his services but a move failed to materialise.

However, both clubs are thought to be exploring the possibility of signing him when the transfer window opens on Monday, while Manchester United and Chelsea are also monitoring his situation.

All four clubs are looking to strengthen their attacking options as they look to keep pace with Premier League leaders Manchester City.

However, their efforts to sign him and bolster their squad for the second half of the season have been dealt a blow.

According to the Gambling Times, the midfielder would prefer to stay with Monaco until the end of the season, despite knowing Arsenal want him.

Lemar wants to be playing regularly for the remainder of the season to ensure he gets a place in France’s World Cup squad.

The 22-year-old has netted just twice for the Ligue 1 champions this season but is one of the first names on Leonardo Jardim’s team-sheet each week.

A move to the Premier League now would be risky if he doesn’t walk straight into the team and Lemar is settled at Monaco ahead of next summer’s World Cup in Russia.

Monaco vice-president and CEO Vadim Vasilyev also recently warned Premier League suitors he would not be moving in the winter window.

He said: “Thomas Lemar will definitely stay until the end of the season.

“We are going for second place (behind Paris Saint-Germain). The competition is very tough with Lyon and Marseille and we need the team to stay competitive.

“We understand that at a certain stage, the players want – once they get offers – to play at big clubs, they want to play in front of big clubs and we have to let them go at the right time. 

“When is the right time? This is the tricky point.”