According to a recent report by Goal.com, Arsenal are monitoring the development of Genk striker Jonathan David ahead of a potential move in the summer. The same source has also mentioned the Gunners are ready to address the possibility of losing either Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette at the end of this campaign. It is believed that Genk are looking for a fee of around £17.5m for their prized asset who doesn’t have an exit clause in his contract (via Goal.com).
David’s Productivity Has Improved In Belgian Football This Season
David has enjoyed a fruitful campaign in the Jupiler Pro League so far after putting in some majestic displays when leading the charge for Genk up top. The Brooklyn-born talent has banged in 23 goals and provided ten assists in 39 appearances for Hannes Wolf’s side this term on all fronts. The 20-year-old has been highly prolific in front of the opposition goal which goes to highlight how much he has improved as a centre-forward over the past couple of seasons.
The Canadian youngster has already represented the Canadian national team in 12 international matches and has registered 11 goals for his homeland in the process. His record for both club and country has not gone unnoticed with the Gunners keeping tabs on his progress in Belgium.
What Will The Canada International Add To Arteta’s Team?
David possesses the quickness and agility to trouble the opposition by making well-timed runs behind their defensive line. He can win a lot of aerial duels using his strength to overpower his marker up top. The Canadian starlet has gradually transformed himself into a consistent goal-getter since breaking out as a first-team starter for Genk back in 2018.
However, there is still some room for improvement in his game before he is ready to make a real impression at the highest level. One can argue whether David has what it takes to cope with the physicality and high intensity of Premier League football.
The Gunners do not need to strengthen their frontline unless Mikel Arteta decides to part ways with at least one of his two world-class forwards this summer. Aubameyang’s current deal at North London expires at the end of the next campaign while Alexandre Lacazette still has over two years left to run on his contract. Hence, it is quite likely that one of them could move on in search of a fresh challenge in the off-season with David being a perfect replacement for either of them at the Emirates Stadium.
He will not only add a lot of creativity and goal-threat to the Gunners frontline but will also allow Arteta to be more adventurous with his formation and tactics next season. At 20, David looks set to have a very bright future in European football so the Arsenal boss will do well to land him before the start of the new campaign.
