Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race to sign LOSC Lille star Jonathan David, who is a target for multiple European clubs heading into the summer.
According to CalcioMercato, the Premier League duo ‘lead discussions’ for the Canadian international, who could leave the reigning French champions in the off-season after another impressive season in Ligue 1. As per the report, Lille value David at €60m (£50m).
With 12 goals in the French top-flight this campaign, David has outscored the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar, with Arsenal and Newcastle now ramping up efforts to sign the 22-year-old striker this summer.
The north London side, in particular, have been chasing David for some time, with Arsenal linked with a move to David during his days with K.A.A. Gent in the Jupiler Pro League. And this summer could see Mikel Arteta’s side pull the trigger for the Canadian.
With Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to leave Arsenal at the end of their contracts this summer, a striker is a priority for the Gunners, and David could be the perfect candidate for the Gunners despite strong interest from Newcastle and other clubs.
As per the report, the likes of AC Milan and Inter Milan are keen on David, with Borussia Dortmund also in a strong position to sign the Brooklyn-born attacker with Erling Haaland expected to leave Germany this summer.
Arsenal best suited to land David over Newcastle this summer
Whilst Eddie Howe’s side are in the race to sign David, there’s no denying that Arsenal sit in the best position to land the Lille star, with the Gunners desperate to bring in a new starting striker in the summer.
And the profile of David suits what Arsenal are looking for to a tee, with Arteta’s transfer policy focusing on young players who can develop at the club and fit into the Basque manager’s system.
With Arsenal also likely to finish in a European spot for next season, the allure of playing for the Gunners will be much bigger for David over Newcastle, who still aren’t totally out of the relegation battle in the Premier League.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
