Ligue 1 club, RC Lens are already preparing for life if the departure of their Belgian forward, Lois Openda materializes as they earmark Middlesbrough Nigeria striker, Chuba Akpom to lead the lines next season.
According to multiple reports, the star forward, Chuba Akpom is close to joining German side, RB Leipzig on a five-year deal valid until 2028 and has already agreed personal terms with his suitors as both clubs continue dialogue.
The Arsenal youth product scored 28 goals during last season’s Championship campaign and is also a target for Lens’ local rivals Lille OSC who could be looking to replace their own star striker as well in Jonathan David this summer.
Having left the Gunners in 2018 after a string of loan spells across England and beyond, the London-born forward spent two years at PAOK Thessaloniki before moving to Middlesbrough.
He would spend a further season on loan in Greece during the 2021/22 campaign.
The 27-year-old was named the English second tier’s player of the year, as his team finished fourth but fell in the play-off semi-finals to Coventry.
Akpom also broke the league record for scoring in consecutive home games, finding the net in nine straight games but it remains unknown if the Championship club will let one of their most potent weapons leave.
