AC Milan have opened talks with RC Lens to sign striker Lois Openda, according to Calciomercato.
The Rossoneri’s interest in signing a new striker this summer is well-documented, and they have added the highly-rated Belgian to their wish list.
Lens have been the feel-good story in the French top flight this season. They have punched above their weight and are on course to secure Champions League qualification with a second-place finish.
Openda has been a revelation for Lens this term. The Belgian has lit up Ligue 1 with exceptional performances, bagging 19 goals in 36 league appearances.
His exploits in France have not gone under the radar, with several European clubs jostling for his signature including Milan.
Milan’s director of football, Frederic Massara, has reportedly been monitoring Openda’s progress for the past three years and is leading the chase for the striker.
The Italian is impressed by Openda’s technical abilities, eye for goal and all-round quality, and a summer move is on the cards.
Milan are keen to bolster their attacking ranks with a new striker. Olivier Giroud has proven reliable when needed, but the Frenchman is not invincible and needs support.
Divock Origi has struggled since joining on a free transfer from Liverpool, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic has spent more time in the treatment room than on the pitch.
The Rossoneri have drawn up a five-man shortlist amid their search for a new striker, but they have other targets, and Openda is one of them.
However, the 23-year-old’s asking price could scupper a potential move, with Lens demanding at least €40 million to sanction a sale.
They have the upper hand in negotiations as Openda still has a long-term contract with the club. His current deal runs until the summer of 2027.
However, Openda is reportedly keen to join Milan, and there is a feeling around the club that they can negotiate a lower transfer fee with Lens.
