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Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal 'among teams scouting Lois Openda'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 09 December 2023

Man United, Man City, Arsenal 'among teams scouting Openda'

Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal are among five Premier League clubs scouting RB Leipzig centre-forward Lois Openda, according to a report.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal are reportedly among five Premier League clubs to be actively scouting RB Leipzig centre-forward Lois Openda.

The 23-year-old moved to Leipzig from Lens over the summer, and he has been in impressive form for his German club during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 14 goals and registering three assists in 21 appearances.

Openda has managed 10 goals and three assists in 13 Bundesliga outings, while he has four goals in five Champions League appearances, including a brace against Man City in the competition last time out.

The Belgium international has actually netted three times against the reigning European champions this term, and according to journalist Ekrem Konur, Pep Guardiola's side are among the English clubs actively scouting his performances during the 2023-24 season.

Konur claims that Man United and Arsenal have also sent representatives to watch him, in addition to Chelsea and Newcastle United, with Leipzig seemingly facing a big battle to keep hold of the forward.

RB Leipzig's Lois Openda celebrates scoring their first goal with Xavi Simons on November 28, 2023 © Reuters

Openda started his professional career with Club Brugge in 2018, but he only managed five goals and four assists in 53 appearances during his time with the Belgian outfit.

The striker scored 37 goals and registered 11 assists in 88 appearances for Vitesse, though, spending time at the club on loan while he was contracted to Club Brugge.

Openda then made the move to Lens in 2022, scoring 21 goals and registering four assists in 42 appearances for the French outfit, before he arrived at Leipzig over the summer.

The Red Bulls are in a strong position when it comes to his future, with his deal due to run until June 2028, but they will find it difficult to keep hold of him due to the alleged growing interest.

RB Leipzig's Lois Openda celebrates scoring their first goal on October 4, 2023 © Reuters

Man City have Erling Haaland leading their line, but it is believed that the Citizens could move for another forward next year to boost their options in that area of the field.

Both Man United and Arsenal are actively seeking new centre-forwards, meanwhile, with the former looking to bring in competition for Rasmus Hojlund, while the latter are seemingly seeking an upgrade on Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

Chelsea will also move for a new striker in 2024, so there could potentially be a Premier League battle to bring in Openda, should the Belgian continue his strong form.

The forward has netted two braces in the Bundesliga this season, while he was on the scoresheet in Leipzig's 2-1 victory over Heidenheim in Germany's top flight last time out.