Diego Simeone: 'Thomas Lemar has failed to meet expectations at Atletico Madrid'

Diego Simeone has admitted that Atletico Madrid forward Thomas Lemar has failed to meet expectations during his time at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The Frenchman, who moved to Atletico for £63m in July 2018, is yet to find his feet in Spain, managing just nine La Liga appearances this term.

Reports have suggested that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both interested in completing a deal for the forward.

Speaking on the subject of Lemar, Simeone told Marca: "Facts speak better than words. Lemar is an important player who hasn't been able to develop his game but who has characteristics that others don't have.

"Let's hope he has a good moment when he comes back from injury. Now if Lemar can stay or not... we know that agents work in an exemplary way. Clubs work in function for their needs.

"He's played a lot more than he hasn't played. His characteristics have always excited me. But he hasn't been able to live up to expectations."

Atletico are said to be keen on signing Edinson Cavani this month but will need to sell before they can make space on their wage bill, rendering Lemar a potentially viable candidate to leave the club in January.