Barcelona and Real Madrid have reportedly shown an interest in signing LOSC Lille forward Jonathan David, who is a transfer target for Arsenal.
According to Fichajes, Lille striker Jonathan David is attracting interest from several top clubs across Europe ahead of the summer transfer window, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal in the race to sign him.
David earned his spurs at Belgian outfit KAA Gent before making his way to France in 2020. The 22-year-old enjoyed a productive debut season in Ligue 1, playing a key role in Lille winning the French league title in 2020/21. Having produced a tally of 13 goals last term, the Canadian has already bettered his return this campaign, bagging 16 goals in 35 matches so far.
David’s rise in stature over the past twenty months with Lille has not gone unnoticed, with Arsenal taking a serious interest in the forward. The Gunners are in the market for at least one new top-quality striker, having lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in January earlier this year.
With Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract at the end of the season, the north London club would be left without any senior striker in the squad. It is something that Arsenal will need to address as a top priority in the summer. While several forwards have been linked with a move to the Emirates, David has been identified as a key target.
However, the Premier League giants are set to face competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid, who have also set their sights on David as a possible option to strengthen their attack for next season.
Barcelona are in the market for a new marquee forward to add to their ranks. They have identified Erling Haaland as their main target, but signing the Norwegian will not be straightforward given the finances involved and the competition for the 21-year-old. As a result, they are keeping an eye out for alternatives, with Alexander Isak also an option along with David.
As for Real Madrid, they are eyeing a double deal to sign Kylian Mbappe and Haaland, as Florentino Perez looks to build another Galactico team. However, recent developments surrounding Mbappe’s contract situation at PSG have forced the Merengues to keep their options open. They are now looking at David as a possible alternative.
David has a contract with Lille until the summer of 2025, and the French giants are expected to demand a significant fee for their star man. It will be interesting to see who among the trio of Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid comes out on top.
