Arsenal Set to Trigger Loic Remy's £10m Release Clause

Arsenal are reportedly set to trigger Loic Remy's £10m release clause after Arsene Wenger requested a character reference of the player from his former club Marseille, according to the Express

Loic Remy, who is employed by Queens Park Rangers, spent the season on-loan at Newcastle United. The French striker has made it clear that he does not want to stay with the newly promoted club or in Tyneside, but wants to play in the Champions League.

Wenger's top priority this summer is to add a quality striker to the ranks, someone who can not only help Olivier Giroud shoulder the attack but also link up and play with him in the starting XI.

Arsenal have also been credited with big money moves for Mario Mandzukic and Mario Balotelli during the transfer window.

Remy had an impressive season at St James Park, scoring 14 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions. The French striker idolises compatriot and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and would like to follow in his footsteps and play for the Gunners.

It is claimed that a Marseille insider has revealed a conversation between the club chairman and Wenger regarding the player's behaviour and his problems off the pitch during his time at the French club.

"Arsene rang our chairman. He seemed to be more interested in what kind of person Loic is. He didn't give any trouble in the three years he was here," the club insider is quoted as saying by the Express.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United, who have given up complete hope of making Remy's deal permanent after his stellar season, have turned their attention towards Hertha Berlin striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga.

The 22-year-old striker was spotted in Tyneside last week, with Newcastle hoping that a price in the region £8m can seal the deal. However, it seems the striker's mother would prefer his continuance in Germany, thus making it complicated for the Geordie club.