Two French Ligue 1 clubs have reportedly joined the race to sign Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom this summer. 

According to Sacha Tavolieri, via Football League World, it is claimed Akpom is attracting interest from Ligue 1 pair RC Lens and LOSC Lille. 

Lille striker Jonathan David and RC Lens' Loïs Openda could depart their respective clubs before the close of the transfer window, with the Canadian linked with the likes of Manchester United and Juventus, while the Belgian could be heading to RB Leipzig.

Lille and Lens have identified Akpom as a potential replacement in the event that the players are sold. 

Akpom is not the only center forward of Nigerian descent in the race to replace Jonathan David as Les Dogues also have Arsenal's cap-tied United States international Folarin Balogun and KAA Gent scoring sensation Gift Orban on their radar. 

Akpom had the best season of his career in 2022-2023 after netting 29 goals from 42 appearances in all competitions. 

The Super Eagles hopeful scooped the Championship Player of the Season at the EFL awards, and claimed Boro's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year. 

A product of Arsenal's Hale End Academy, Akpom is tied to Boro until June 2024 after the club activated the one-year option to extend his contract.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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