If Paris Saint-Germain are France’s answer to the Galacticos, as rich as Croesus and boasting a bite to match their bark, then Lille are the perfect example of how to succeed in a very different way.
Almost every summer, Les Dogues lose a key player or two. But they roll with the punches, make-do-and-mend, re-invest and move on.
Lille, remember, snatched the Ligue 1 trophy from under PSG’s noses last season despite selling their best striker – Victor Osimhen – and their best defender – Gabriel Magalhaes – only a few months earlier.
After a sluggish start to life in France, Jonathan David played a key role in their shock title charge, scoring 13 goals during his debut season at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
The Canada international might have been the Robin to Burak Yilmaz’s brutal Batman but, as he paraded the Ligue 1 trophy around the city streets, few would argue that he had not lived up to his club-record £30 million price-tag.
Could long-term target Jonthan David finally join Arsenal?
How much would Lille demand for David next summer, when the former Genk talisman celebrates his two-year anniversary at the club?
£40 million? £50 million? More?
Given that David has already bettered last season’s tally – he’s hit the target 15 times in just 26 games for a Lille side who look nowhere near as impressive as last term – don’t be surprised if Nicolas Pepe’s status as the most expensive export in Les Dogues’ history comes under threat.
“This will be his last season (at Lille),” the 21-year-old’s agent said on Wednesday.
“I think the Premier League is a great option for him. I think he likes Spain a lot too. These two leagues are the main priorities for him, but nothing is being ruled out.
“He knows he is one of the best young forwards in the world.”
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have been tracking David for three years now.
They even considered the Brooklyn-born poacher as a potential replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before the former Gunners captain signed that mega-money contract in the summer of 2020 (Goal).
With Aubameyang’s future more uncertain than ever before, now could be the ideal time to Arsenal to make their move.
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