Lens target Super Eagles invitee Akpom to replace outgoing Openda

Chuba Akpom scored 29 goals in the EFL Championship this season

Lens target Super Eagles invitee Akpom to replace outgoing Openda

Ayoola Kelechi 23:44 - 06.07.2023

Lens are set to move for Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom in the summer transfer window

Ligue 1 side Lens are reportedly lining up a move for Middlesbrough forward Chuba Akpom in case they lose Belgian forward Lois Openda this summer. 

Openda set for Lens exit 

Openda was in record-breaking form for Lens in the 2022/23 Ligue 1 season, scoring 21 goals, the most by a Lens player in a single Ligue 1 campaign, as Les Sang et Ors finished in an impressive second place. 

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The Belgian forward has attracted interest from all over Europe after his sensational campaign and has been linked with a move to one of the Milan clubs this summer. 

Lens have been in the market for a replacement for Openda, and according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the French side could be interested in a move for Nigerian striker Akpom. 

Lens eye move for Chuba Akpom

The 27-year-old former Arsenal striker had an equally astonishing season, helping Middlesbrough come close to a return to the Premier League. 

Chuba Akpom is PulseSports30 #6
Chuba Akpom is PulseSports30 #6

Akpom was named Middlesbrough Player of the Year and EFL Championship Player of the Year after a stunning season that saw him score 28 goals in 40 games for Boro in the 2022/23 league campaign as they finished fourth under the guidance of former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick. 

A move to Lens would afford Akpom the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League after Les Sang et Ors will play in Europe’s top competition in the 2023/24 season for the first time since they had another Nigerian, John Utaka in their ranks. 

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