Arsenal are reportedly watching Lille star Jonathan David closely this season ahead of a possible January swoop.
The Gunners’ interest in the Lille striker is not new; technical director Edu wanted to sign him last January and had held talks with the player’s agent Nick Mavromaras over a potential move to the Emirates Stadium. However, no move materialised and he stayed put at the Ligue 1 club.
According to the Chronicle, Arsenal are still interested in Jonathan David, though, and could emerge as a genuine rival to Newcastle United in the race for his signature.
David, 22, has been in sensational form this season, registering nine goals and three assists in 14 Ligue 1 outings. The World Cup-bound Canadian star is one of the most coveted young players in Europe and it is hardly a surprise that the Premier League clubs are watching him.
Jonathan David to Arsenal—Good move?
Mikel Arteta is expected to use the January transfer window to good effect, with the Gunners now in the midst of a title race. A striker is being eyed by Arteta despite the arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City only last summer.
Arsenal currently have Eddie Nketiah as Jesus’ understudy, although Gabriel Martinelli can also play through the middle. Jesus made an instant impact for Arteta’s side but his goals have dried up of late. The Brazilian international has now gone nine games without scoring a goal, while Nketiah is yet to break his Premier League duck this term.
Signing a striker in January, thus, would make sense and Lille’s Jonathan David would fit the bill perfectly at Arsenal. David has been a consistent player for Lille since arriving from Belgian club Gent in the summer of 2020, bagging 41 goals and eight assists in 110 appearances.
Since playing a key role in Les Dogues’ title-winning side of 2020/21 with 13 goals and three assists in 37 appearances, the Canadian international has not looked back and only got better. At just 22, he is producing good numbers in Ligue 1, catching the eye of many big clubs in Europe as a result.
Jonathan David is a fine finisher in front of goal, has good pace to burn and will provide Arsenal with a different dimension in attack. He is still in the developmental stages of his career and has huge potential to be unlocked. Plus, the Canadian would give more options in attack for Arteta, whilst enhancing the depth of Arsenal’s squad.
A successful World Cup with Canada next month should see David’s stock skyrocket. It remains to be seen whether Arteta and Arsenal are prepared to follow up on their interest in David with a concrete offer in the winter transfer window.