Rumour: Arsenal to make a move for Loic Remy

Arsenal are plotting a move to beat Newcastle to the permanent signing of Loic Remy, as they are planning to offer the £8million required to free him from his contract with Queens Park Rangers, according to the Mirror.

Arsenal have been short on forward options this season, with Olivier Giroud the only senior striker at the club, given Arsene Wenger’s reluctance to utilise Nicklas Bendtner, who looks set to exit the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.

Remy has impressed at St James’ Park this season as one of the few bright points of a topsy-turvy season and Newcastle are keen on keeping him on a permanent basis.

QPR are looking to recoup the outlay they paid for the French striker last January in their failed bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League and a contract exists in his contract at Loftus Road to allow him to leave if an £8 million bid is tabled.

Newcastle are keen on bringing him back to the North East for next season, but it is believed Remy would prefer to return to London if the options are there, while Champions League football would be another key element that would sway his decision to Arsene Wenger’s men should they follow up their interest with a bid.

Arsenal have been linked with a number of strikers in recent weeks, such as Alvaro Morata, but Remy is seen as a cut-price option, with his move out of QPR’s hands should the Gunners meet the buyout clause.