Arsenal are reportedly considering making a move for RC Lens striker Lois Openda after his incredible first season in France. The Gunners could consider their attacking options at the end of the season and may decide to add firepower behind Gabriel Jesus.
Mikel Arteta currently has two strikers to choose from in Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. The pair have scored 19.3% (18) of the 93 goals scored by the north Londoners this season, with the remaining 75 spread across others of the squad.
In the summer, Hale Ender Folarin Balogun will return to England on the back of his successful loan with Stade de Reims - in which he has scored 19 goals. However, his return won’t present the usual feeling that occurs when a young player impresses out on loan, with Balogun expected to demand first team football or leave.
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The whereabouts of Balogun's services next season remain unclear despite interest from around Europe. However, if reports are to be believed, Arsenal are already planning for next season and are plotting a move for their next striker.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Gunners have joined Aston Villa in the race for Openda as part of their mission to bolster their attacking options next season. The Belgian international only joined Lens from Club Brugge in the summer but he has adapted to life in France perfectly.
Openda - who is valued at £26.5million by CIES Football Observatory - has bagged 17 goals in 32 appearances for Franck Haise's side, firing them into third place and on course to reach the Champions League for the first time since 2003. With six games remaining, Les Sang et Or are only one point behind second-placed Marseille.
Should Lens seal qualification to Europe's prestigious competition, the French side will be under no pressure to allow Openda to leave, with the report from Spain insisting only a 'premium' transfer package would be enough to sanction the deal.
Arsenal's recent confirmation of their return to the Champions League means Stan Kroenke won't be short of money in the summer. Despite the priority being a new midfielder, a striker of Openda's nature may be on the club's radar in the summer.
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