Arsenal Leading the Race to Sign Lille Striker Jonathan David
Arsenal are reportedly at the forefront of the pursuit to sign Lille striker Jonathan David, who is set to become a free agent in the coming weeks. According to sources, the Gunners are the “hottest club” in the chase for the Canada international, with West Ham, Chelsea, and Newcastle also credited with interest.
As reported by TEAMtalk, Arsenal have been on the lookout for a new forward for some time, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak all linked with an Emirates Stadium move. However, 25-year-old attacker David has been a somewhat under-the-radar target, with his impressive goalscoring record making him an attractive proposition.
TEAMtalk understands that Napoli are prepared to offer David a salary of €4 million (£3.4m), but his wage demands are reportedly around the €5.5m (£4.6m) mark. While no club has put forward that kind of offer for the ex-Gent ace, teams such as Inter Milan, Juventus, and more, are still keeping tabs on David – who has scored 146 goals in his career to date.
David’s salary demands are sizeable, but they are well within the confines of what Arsenal pay their top earners. For instance, reports suggest that the likes of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, and Bukayo Saka are on more than double what David is asking for. Aside from his wages, David’s goalscoring feats are eye-catching, with 109 goals in 231 appearances in all competitions since leaving Gent for Lille in 2020.
In the past three seasons, David has exceeded the 25-goal bracket – making him one of Ligue 1’s top marksmen. As far as gambles go, the Canadian would be on the lower end of the scale. TEAMtalk has previously revealed that Inter are trying to sign David this summer, but Liverpool are also waiting in the wings for his services. Our sources have also confirmed that West Ham and Barcelona are tracking the potent forward, who could be the subject of a bidding war soon.
The potential signing of David has sparked debate among Arsenal fans, with many questioning whether he is the right man to lead the line for Mikel Arteta’s side. While there are no certainties, one thing is clear – Arsenal are in need of a new striker, and David is certainly an option worth considering. As TEAMtalk previously reported, Arsenal are ready to start ‘looking at managers’ amid huge Mikel Arteta sack prediction, and a successful transfer move could be crucial in turning the club’s fortunes around.
In related news, Arsenal have been linked with a number of other strikers, including Rafael Leao, who is valued at £85m. The Gunners are also said to be preparing a record-breaking bid for a ‘world-class’ striker. With the transfer window heating up, Arsenal fans will be keeping a close eye on developments at the Emirates Stadium.
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