Arsenal eyeing €30m RC Lens striker Lois Openda, but face competition from Aston Villa and potential Champions League qualification complications.

  • Arsenal interested in signing €30m-rated RC Lens striker Lois Openda
  • The Gunners face competition from Aston Villa and potential complications due to Lens’ Champions League qualification bid
  • Arsenal’s current attacking options include Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, and Folarin Balogun, with potential departures in the summer
TOPSHOT - Lens' Belgian forward Lois Openda celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the French L1 football match between RC Lens and AS Monaco at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, northern France on April 22, 2023. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / AFP) (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – Lens’ Belgian forward Lois Openda celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the French L1 football match between RC Lens and AS Monaco at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, northern France on April 22, 2023. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / AFP) (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal are keen to sign RC Lens striker Lois Openda in the upcoming transfer window, according to reports from InterLive.it.

The 23-year-old Belgian star has been in excellent form this season, scoring 17 goals and providing three assists in 32 Ligue 1 games.

With such impressive performances, Openda has attracted interest from several clubs, including Arsenal and Inter Milan.

Openda’s potential price tag

RC Lens have reportedly set a €30m valuation on Openda, who has a contract with the club until 2027.

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The striker is eager to play for a top club and compete in the Champions League, which could be achieved if he were to join the Gunners.

Arsenal have been informed of the required fee to sign Openda, and it remains to be seen if they will make a formal offer in the summer.

Competition from Premier League rivals

Arsenal are not the only Premier League club showing interest in Openda.

Aston Villa have also reportedly expressed their interest in the frontman.

Inter Milan were initially keen on signing Openda, but they have reportedly backed out of the transfer race due to the competition from Premier League clubs.

Inter’s transfer budget constraints

Another reason Inter Milan may abandon their pursuit of Openda is their transfer budget.

Inter reportedly plan to invest €40m on four players in the summer, which means they cannot afford to meet Lens’ €30m valuation for Openda.

Lens’ potential Champions League qualification

Currently, Lens sit in third place in Ligue 1, with a realistic chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

If Lens secure a spot in Europe’s premier club competition, they may be more inclined to keep Openda for their European campaign.

This could make it more challenging for Arsenal to convince Lens to part ways with their star striker.

Arsenal’s current attacking options

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a number of options available up front, including Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, and Folarin Balogun.

However, there could be departures this summer, with Balogun the most likely to leave.

As a result, Arsenal may be searching for a replacement, and Lois Openda could be the ideal candidate.

In conclusion, Arsenal face a potentially challenging pursuit of Lois Openda, with the €30m price tag and competition from other clubs.

However, if the Gunners can secure the Belgian striker’s signature, he could be a valuable addition to their attacking line-up.

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