Arsenal have to make RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda their top summer transfer target to improve their attacking options for next season.
HITC Football understands that Arsenal sent scouts to watch several players last weekend including Belgian international Lois Openda.
Once described as a ‘super-fast’ forward, the 23-year-old is going from strength to strength despite being in the early stages of his career.
The Gunners are keen on bringing in a centre-forward with scoring goals a major issue for Mikel Arteta’s side this season.
However, their short winter break looks to have allayed some of those fears after putting five past a very poor Crystal Palace side on Saturday.
Arsenal should target Openda this summer
While Gunners fans were celebrating at the Emirates following the Premier League early kick-off at the weekend, Arsenal’s scouts were on their way to Germany.
They headed to a huge clash in the Bundesliga to watch surprise league leaders Bayer Leverkusen play RB Leipzig.
Representatives of many top English and European clubs were in attendance, casting their eyes over some of the best talent in Germany.
Arsenal were looking at four players in particular including Lois Openda, who started up-front for Marco Rose’s Leipzig side.
The 23-year-old has 12 goals in 18 Bundesliga appearances this season and found the back of the net in front of the Gunners’ scouts at the weekend.
It certainly wouldn’t have put Arsenal’s representatives off recommending the club make a move for Openda in the summer.
Openda has huge future ahead of him
Looking at his performance at the weekend in particular, Openda was always going to have limited opportunities up against the best side in the Bundesliga even if they were at home.
He averaged a touch every three minutes in the match and only made 10 passes but there are signs that he’s exactly the sort of player Arsenal need.
He won five of his seven duels against Leverkusen’s defenders and despite only playing 10 passes, he still managed to score his goal.
Arsenal are brilliant in possession and create plenty of chances, but often fail to convert them.
Having an option like Openda would be perfect for Arteta and give him an option that’s very different to Gabriel Jesus who has lots of very impressive attributes but isn’t a natural goalscorer.
Openda is also likely to cost an awful lot less than another top Arsenal target Ivan Toney in the summer.
The England international announced his return from his ban with a goal and if he continues in that form then Brentford are going to demand a huge fee.
It’s unlikely Leipzig will demand a similar fee and with Arsenal having already splashed the cash last year, they may have to make some more astute additions.
Arsenal not short of forward options next summer
HITC Football also understands that Arsenal remain interested in Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic as he continues contract negotiations with the Italian giants.
Vlahovic has one less league goal than Openda this season and while the Gunners need an out-and-out goalscorer, the Belgian’s ability on the ball would suit Arsenal better than Vlahovic.
The Serbian has decent hold-up play, but Openda is a better ball carrier and a fantastic progressive passer.
The likes of Toney and even Victor Osimhen will continue to be linked but Arsenal should go for Openda this summer as he’s likely to be the cheapest option of the four forwards and still extremely effective.
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