Arsenal targets Thomas Lemar and Kylian Mbappe are staying, says Monaco vice-president

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has insisted that the French champions intend to keep Arsenal targets Thomas Lemar and Kylian Mbappe at the club.

After their remarkable rise to the top of French football and the Champions League semi-finals last season, Monaco have found their squad picked at by the moneyed elite of Europe.

Manchester City spent over £90million to acquire Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva, while Chelsea also brought in midfield engine Tiemoue Bakayoko for £40m.

Les Monagesques have insisted that they do not want to lose their entire squad but are being offered world record fees for Mbappe, who Real Madrid have reportedly offered £160m for.

Arsenal unofficially offered £87m for the 18-year-old earlier in the summer but have since switched focus to Lemar, for whom they have twice seen bids rejected.

Any third bid for the winger will not be welcomed by Monaco, with Vasilyev insisting the summer sales are over in the principality.

Vasilyev told reporters: "We are discussing an extension with Kylian. I hope we will get there.

"This is a very important decision, especially for Kylian. We must give him time and not rush things too fast.

"Today there is no agreement. Monaco's wish is to extend it."

As for Lemar he added: "He stays with us, we talked together, he has a tremendous talent, he is also a must for our team.

"We have kept all of the key players that we intended to keep.

"Fabinho stays, he is an essential player in the midfield."