Jonathan David has just handed Arsenal a possible boost for their reported transfer chase, as the LOSC Lille striker has told Telefoot that he would love to play in the Premier League.
The Canada forward is enjoying a strong season in front of goal for Les Dogues in Ligue 1. Only Wissam Ben Yedder (14) has outscored Davis this term, with the 22-year-old netting 12 times in 25 games so far. He also accounts for 38% of Jocelyn Gourvennec’s side’s haul.
David additionally took the Champions League in his stride with three goals to help Lille top Group G. He scored one each against Sevilla, RB Salzburg and Wolfsburg. The Stade Pierre Mauroy outfit will now visit Chelsea this Tuesday night for the first-leg of their last 16 tie.
Lille’s Champions League aspirations amid a poor Ligue 1 title defence played a part in Les Dogues retaining David in January. Mikel Arteta considered a late move for the New York native, per ESPN. But the Gunners did not pay his €55m (£46m) price, per Jeunes Footeux.
Arsenal were in the market for centre-forwards like Lille’s David after sanctioning Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s transfer to Barcelona. They also sent Folarin Balogun on loan to Middlesbrough, leaving Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette as Arteta’s only options.
Lille star David hands Arsenal fresh transfer boost
With Lacazette and Nketiah also out of contract this year, Arsenal may revive their interest in David’s transfer from Lille. Gunners technical director Edu also met the forward’s agent in December to discuss a potential mid-season move to north London, per football.london.
David has now given Arsenal a fresh boost for a possible summer transfer from Lille, too. The striker has declared his interest in one day playing in England. But he will likely have rival clubs snapping at the chance of a deal if Les Dogues also warm to parting this year.
“The Premier League? Obviously, it attracts. It is the most competitive league in the world,” David said, as translated by Calciomercato.
ESPN also noted Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea were potential suitors for David’s transfer while citing Arsenal’s interest in Lille’s star. Additionally, Les Dogues were already looking toward the summer to sell in response to Premier League clubs expressing their interest.
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