Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he was close to signing Monaco star Thomas Lemar.

The Mirror says the Gunners opened secret negotiations with the French club in a bid to bring Lemar to the Premier League.

Wenger told the club's executive box holders at an exclusive Q&A that time ran out on a deal for the 22-year-old.

Instead, Wenger's intentions were focused on securing the services of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on deadline day.

The Gabon international completed a £55million move from Borussia Dortmund.