Arsenal are reportedly monitoring LOSC Lille forward Jonathan David, as Mikel Arteta looks to replace the outgoing Alexandre Lacazette next year.
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Arsenal are keeping a close watch on LOSC Lille forward Jonathan David with a viewpoint of potential transfer swoop in the upcoming transfer windows. The Canadian international is someone who piqued Arsenal’s interest in the past, and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is now himself following the 21-year-old’s recent performances.
The Brooklyn-born forward spent the developing years of his football career at local club Ottawa ISC in his native country, Canada, before shifting to Europe signing for Belgian outfit KAA Gent. He progressed leaps and bounds to become a lethal force in front of goal for Gent, having scored 37 goals and assisted 15 times from 83 matches, while shining on the European stage before being approached by Ligue 1 side Lille last summer.
He turned down offers from a host of top European clubs in order to join Les Dogues in a reported deal worth £24.3 million. After a sluggish start, he soon found his footing in French football. He scored 13 goals and registered five assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. He played a vital role to help Lille to an unlikely Ligue 1 crown ahead of the heavy favourites Paris Saint-Germain.
The 21-year-old has made a solid start to the current season, producing consistent displays spearheading Lille’s frontline, already netting 6 goals from 12 appearances. This red-hot form has seemingly put him on the radars of top-level clubs, including Real Madrid, Liverpool and Barcelona. Arsenal are the latest of the slew of clubs keeping track of the player’s progress.
Arsenal are currently undergoing a massive youth rebuilding process under Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu. With Alexandre Lacazette looking set to leave the Emirates next year, a young No.9 with lots of potential is on the top of their priority list. They have recently been linked to Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Jonathan David seems to be another one on their radar.
David is an exceptional talent endowed with electric pace, skill and tenacity. He has the physique and is a decent aerial presence. He is known for his work rate and tidy finishing. Moreover, the Canadian international is also extremely versatile, capable of playing across the frontline and in the No. 10 role just behind the main striker.
There’s no denying that David would definitely be an extremely exciting addition for Arsenal, but with him being contracted at Stade Pierre Mauroy until the summer of 2025, the reigning French Champions are likely to demand a huge transfer fee to maximize their profits on the asset. What now remains to be seen is whether or not Arsenal will step up their pursuit for the 21-year-old Canadian sensation in the coming transfer window.
