Remy set to prefer Emirates destination

Newcastle United have lost their last three Premier League matches without scoring a goal in suspended Loic Remy’s absence.

Currently owned by Championship side QPR, the Frenchman is a wanted man after netting 11 times in 21 games in the top-flight so far this term.

Arsenal are in pole position to sign Remy after reports the club have made contact with the player’s agent about a potential contract.

The Gunners, despite still being well in the Premier League title race with odds of 9/1 to finish the season champions, are lacking up front. Their main striker Olivier Giroud started the season positively but goals have dried up somewhat – with none in his last four matches.

Giroud has impressively played in all but four games this campaign in all competitions, as Nicklas Bendtner remains out of favour to take over some of the burden. Lukas Podolski can also play in attack, but is not as wholly adept in the lone central role.

Remy would provide the perfect backup, or even partnership, for fellow 27-year-old and French international Giroud, and the reported £9m asking price would be a real bargain.

Newcastle, however, will not give up capturing their current loanee permanently, as they have already lost key midfielder Yohan Cabaye to Champions League-chasing PSG.

Goals have been rare in the league for the Magpies since Christmas, and in their last eight fixtures – which they lost six – have managed just one goal.

Despite their abysmal form, they still find themselves in ninth place and are odds-on at 1/10 for a top 10 finish.

Remy’s contract at QPR expires in 2017, but the west London side are trying to get many of their high earners off the books as they prepare for a possible return to the Premier League next term.

The 24-capped international has played twice for his country this season and looks set to join up with his potential new strike partner Giroud for the World Cup in Brazil.