Arsenal FAVOURITES to land Ligue 1 goal machine

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 13 May 2023 16:24 BST
3 min read

Arsenal look set to be the most likely transfer destination for Lens striker Lois Openda.

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Jonathan Johnson, a Ligue 1 expert, opened up about the striker’s future and where his next destination is most likely next campaign.

The Belgium international has had a superb season in Ligue 1, in what has been a breakout term for the youngster. Lens qualifying for the Champions League could help the side keep hold of their star striker, but there is no doubt that clubs, likely from the Premier League, will come in and try and make a move for the 23-year-old.

Aston Villa have been linked, but a move to the Midland doesn’t seem particularly likely, and it is thought that Arsenal would be much more of a realistic prospect.

Arsenal possible for Openda

Jonathan spoke on the possible departure of Openda in his CaughtOffside column.

“Openda is certainly in a hot vein of form right now and is leading this Lens charge towards Champions League qualification, in what would be a massive achievement for the club. And to be honest, this opportunity to play in the Champions League with Lens could impact the ability of some Premier League clubs to snap him up.

Johnson continued: “Arsenal have been linked with him, but it’s hard to imagine leaving Lens for someone like Aston Villa, while links with Leeds are also a non-starter,” Johnson explained.

Loïs Openda makes it 2-0 Lens ⚽️

They keep pushing for that automatic Champions League place and PSG for the title 👀 pic.twitter.com/TPex5hS5WI
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 6, 2023

“From an economic standpoint, Lens might have to consider big offers if they came in, but there’s a very good atmosphere at the club and a lot of excitement about possibly playing in the Champions League, so I don’t think a departure is necessarily straightforward.

"That said, Lens probably will need to strengthen their squad to balance domestic and European football, so there’s something to think about there. A number of players in the Lens squad are attracting interest, and Openda is one of them.”