Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are reportedly seeking a cut-price deal for Lille striker Jonathan David, with scouts eyeing the Canadian international at the Copa America.
The Gunners first showed interest in David back in 2020 when he was playing for Gent for €20m. Interestingly, around the same figure could be enough to secure his services at Lille as he enters the final year of his contract.
David’s career has been on an upward trajectory since his move to Europe in 2018. After making his professional debut with Belgium’s Gent, he quickly established himself as a prolific goalscorer, attracting the attention of top clubs across the continent. In 2020, he made a high-profile move to Lille for €30 million, becoming the most expensive Canadian transfer to date.
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In his first season at Lille, David played a crucial role in the club’s surprise Ligue 1 title victory, demonstrating his goalscoring ability and adaptability to a competitive league. His performances have continued to impress, and his ability to find the back of the net has consistently attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham.
Jonathan David at the Copa América (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal’s interest in David is seen as a potential replacement for Eddie Nketiah, who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates. With less than 12 months remaining on his contract, Lille are keen to cash in on David, and a fee of £20m could be enough to secure his services.
This is a bargain for a player of David’s calibre, given his age, experience and goalscoring record. In total, he has scored 121 goals for Lille and Gent, with 33 assists, in 266 games.
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Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options, and David could fit the bill. His pace, movement and accurate finishing could add a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack, providing much-needed firepower.
However, Arsenal face competition from other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, who are also monitoring David’s situation. The Gunners will have to act quickly and decisively if they want to secure the signature of the Canadian striker.
While a move to Arsenal seems plausible given the circumstances, it remains to be seen whether the Gunners can fend off competition from other suitors and convince Lille to part with their prized asset or whether David is even a serious target to begin with.
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