Manchester City are prepared to target Jonathan David if their pursuit of top target Erling Haaland is unsuccessful.
According to Fichajes, Manchester City’s summer plans to sign a new striker include Lille star Jonathan David, who is an alternative to top target Erling Haaland.
The Premier League giants are unsure about securing the Norwegian’s signature and are keeping their options open. Erling Haaland is tipped to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer, and a big move to one of the elite clubs in Europe awaits the striker. A fixed release clause in his Dortmund contract does make a deal look straightforward.
However, the other costs involved, including salaries, signing-on fee and agent commissions, makes it a costly affair even for some of the richest sides around. Only a few clubs could realistically afford to sign the Norwegian. Manchester City are among those interested. Real Madrid and Barcelona have reportedly tabled offers already, which could see the Premier League champions miss out on his signing.
Pep Guardiola missed out on signing Harry Kane last summer and went into the season without a recognised striker. While the club have fared well, the manager does not want to repeat the situation next season — hence the need to bring in a new leading man in the next window.
Despite their financial resources, signing Haaland is not guaranteed, and Manchester City are prepared to look elsewhere if they fail in the Norwegian’s pursuit. They have drawn up a list of potential alternatives, consisting of names such as Kane, Lautaro Martinez and Jonathan David.
Manchester City are keeping tabs on Martinez, but the Inter Milan star could also cost upwards of €75 million, considering he signed a new contract back in August, while Kane will also cost in excess of £100 million. Jonathan David, however, could be a potentially cheaper alternative and a long-term prospect.
David is reportedly ready to leave Lille in the summer as he eyes a move to the Premier League to further his career. The Canadian has had a fruitful spell at the French club and is prepared to leverage his form to secure a move to a bigger club.
Arsenal and Liverpool are some of the Premier League’s top sides interested in the striker. However, if Manchester City come in with an offer, the race could get more intense. Guardiola’s side certainly have the financial means to pay a significant transfer fee and blow away competition for the player.
David’s overall skills and style of play could also suit Guardiola’s tactics at Man City. Lille are prepared to let him leave if a financially reasonable offer arrives in the window. Moreover, if David continues to perform consistently until the season ends, the demand for him will soar.
However, Manchester City’s priority is signing Haaland, and only if they fail in the Norwegian’s pursuit will they approach Lille over David. It could complicate things, as other suitors might make early offers to seal a move for the Canadian, leaving the Premier League champions high and dry once more.
