Over the past week, there has been an increase in transfer stories linking Loïs Openda to Arsenal, with the Gunners likely set to improve their attack in the next transfer window.
Their qualification for next year’s Champions League will mean a need for a better strength in depth, and a proper backup for Gabriel Jesus could go a long way.
That’s where the Belgian could do a job for Arsenal, and why an attempt to sign him could make some sense for the Gunners, with the rumours making their way to Openda himself, who addressed them in an interview with L’Equipe.
However, there have been a few warning signs that they will have to spend a fair bit of money, with €30m the price floating around, as RC Lens aren’t overly keen on losing him.
After all, the 23-year-old has scored 17 league goals in 32 appearances, as well as helped out with three assists, meaning he would be hard to replace if Arsenal took him away.
Still, L’Equipe asked him about the talk surrounding his future, to which he replied: “I know very well there’s a lot of noise, but I’m staying calm. I haven’t worked this hard to be distracted. It’s nice. It’s a sort of recognition, but I mustn’t listen to what’s being said.
“The Ligue 1 player of the month award from March is in a cupboard. I’m under contract until 2027 with Lens. I’m very good here. I hope to write a page in the history of the club, leave a mark.”
