According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are monitoring LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David and are interested in signing the player as a replacement for the outgoing Alexandre Lacazette.
Jonathan David, who is valued at £31.5million on Transfermarkt, joined the Ligue 1 club last summer. The player arrived from KAA Gent for a reported fee of around £25million. Arsenal have a good relationship with Ligue 1 champions LOSC Lille, having secured the deals of Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Magalhaes in the past.
The young Canadian International bagged 13 goals and 3 assists for Lille last season in Ligue 1, making him one of the most exciting prospects in the French league. He has become a regular feature for the French club this season, spearheading their attack.
He has made a firm start to this season too, already netting in 8 goals from 13 appearances in Ligue 1. His fiery form has attracted the interest of several top-flight clubs across Europe including the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Arsenal.
According to Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes (via Caught Offside), Arsenal have earmarked Jonathan David as the potential replacement for Alexandre Lacazette. Arsenal are in dire need of firepower and with the Frenchman’s contract ending in the summer of 2022, the Gunners believe the Canadian forward is his perfect replacement.
👀Mikel Arteta is following Jonathan David's performances closely.
📌The Canadian striker's current performance gets attraction from many European giants.#AFC #Arsenal #Gooners #LOSC #Lille
🔻VOLE🔻
🔜 https://t.co/FGB5A8DzJX pic.twitter.com/0akJDBYEkQ— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) October 7, 2021
The 21-year-old was linked with the North London outfit last year but decided to turn down a move to the Premier League due to concerns over game time. However, the Arsenal hierarchy seems adamant about bringing him to the Emirates with a potential transfer swoop in the impending transfer windows.
With a SofaScore rating of 6.97 in the French League and an impressive 7.39 in the World Cup Qualifiers, Jonathan David has proved himself to be one of the best upcoming strikers in Europe. The player would fit perfectly into Arteta’s system, given his age and hunger for success.
Arsenal are currently undergoing a massive rebuild. The club are looking to inculcate a vibrant sense of energy and flair through the addition of young, exciting prospects. The hunt for Lacazette’s replacement is going to be a tough one with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ollie Watkins also on the radar.
David’s key attributes are his high work rate and exquisite finishing. He has a decent aerial and physical presence that would withstand the pressure and toughness of the Premier League. Moreover, the Lille forward is extremely versatile, capable of playing across all areas of the frontline and could add fuel to Aubameyang’s threat in front of the goal by changing his position to that of a No. 10 forward.
Read More:
- Arsenal Transfer Rumours Roundup Related To Newcastle United, Chamberlain, Martinelli, Lacazette And More
- Edu’s Performance In The Summer Transfer Window Was The Best In Many Years
- Blistering New Look Side: Here’s How The New Signings Can Make An Impact In Arteta’s New Look Arsenal
Mikel Arteta would certainly hope that the player would get the ground up and running in no time. However, it would not be easy for the Gunners to lure him away, he has a contract with LOSC Lille till the summer of 2025, making him an expensive target. Moreover, David Jonathan is a huge prospect and his skills have attracted attention from several elite European clubs.
Nonetheless, he would be a great addition in terms of the massive rebuild the Gunners are going through. It remains to be seen whether Arteta puts faith in a player who does not have PL experience under his belt, or he goes for the likes of familiar names like Calvert-Lewin or Ollie Watkins.
Share your opinions in the comments section below, and follow AD for the latest Arsenal transfer news.
