The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off in ten months, and Canada are now on the verge of qualifying for the competition with reported Arsenal and Edu Gaspar target Jonathan David leading the charge.
The Maple Leaves are unbeaten in the North American Octagonal and sit pretty at the top of the group, with the top three automatically booking their place for Qatar later this year in what would be Canada’s first World Cup this century.
Led by Durham-born coach John Herdman, Canada have enjoyed an international revelation that has not been seen in years, with the Canucks the fastest improved nation in FIFA’s World Rankings last year and having a pool of talent that include the likes of Alphonso Davies, David and Cyle Larin.
And it is David who has been so key to this most recent international break. The striker scored twice and assisted one as Canada won all three of their latest World Cup qualifiers 2-0, including another historic win over the United States.
And after these performances, Arsenal should be looking at the striker with intent interest.
David, the Canadian ‘phenomenon’ Arsenal should be signing
With Football London reporting that Edu has been in talks with David’s agent as early as December, there is clearly an interest in the LOSC Lille star, who at club level has also been outstanding with 16 goals in all competitions.
Hailed as a ‘phenomenon’ by former Gent manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck, David has been on Arsenal’s radar for some time. And with the striker search set to come to a head in the summer, the Canadian international could be the perfect player to lead the Gunners line.
As well as a natural goalscorer with a famed international reputation, the 22-year-old Brooklyn-born striker is the player that is most likened to Alexandre Lacazette out of the forwards linked to Arsenal, with Alexander Isak and Dominic Calvert-Lewin other options according to the Athletic.
As per Tifo Football, David is a hard-working striker who likes to drop deep and pressure opposing players into losing the ball, as well as having the strength to hold up play and allow wingers to bomb forward into the attack.
Lille star could be Edu’s cheapest option this summer
As well as having the most similar skillset to Lacazette, who has been key to Arsenal’s style of play under Arteta, David is likely the striking target which will cost the north London side the least.
As per reports, Isak has a release clause of €90m (£75m), whilst Everton will likely set a similar fee for Calvert-Lewin, with the Toffees not in a position to sell and new manager Frank Lampard eyeing to get the best again out of the England international.
Meanwhile, as for David, Jeunes Footeux report that Lille will be open to selling David for €55m (£46m), less than what Arsenal signed Lacazette for in 2017 and coming off the back of a season which has trumped the likes of Isak and Calvert-Lewin.
With the striker now on the verge of history with Canada, David is proving more and more that he could be the perfect player to lead the Arsenal attack next season. And for Edu, the Gunners transfer chief has to work fast to wrap up a deal for the forward.
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