According to a recent report by HLN, Arsenal have already held preliminary talks with the agent of KAA Gent midfielder Jonathan David ahead of a potential move this summer. However, the same source has also revealed that the Gunners could face stiff competition from Manchester United, Ajax, Everton, Inter Milan and FC Porto in pursuit of the Canadian youngster during the summer transfer period.
David’s Outstanding Form For Gent Last Season
The Brooklyn-born talent enjoyed a majestic season in the Jupiler Pro League after producing a series of match-winning performances for Gent over the past ten months. He had banged in 23 goals and provided ten assists in 40 appearances for the Belgian outfit last season across all competitions which highlight his prolific form in front of the opposition goal.
David also earned a lot of plaudits for his stellar performances in the UEFA Europa League as evidenced by his average of 2.1 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game in the seven European matches he has participated this season (stats via whoscored).
The 20-year-old boasts a fantastic goal-scoring record at the international stage after netting 11 goals in 12 senior matches for the Canadian national team so far. If David can continue improving his game with each year, then he has a great shot to be a success story at the top level.
What Will The Canadian International Bring To North London?
David can use his quickness and leaping ability to cause all sorts of problems for the opposition defenders. He excels at making clever runs from midfield and has transformed himself into an unforgiving finisher in the final third. The Canadian has shown remarkable composure on the ball and possesses the eye to pick out a decisive pass going forward. At 20, he has the ceiling to become a household name in European football someday.
David primarily operates as an attacking midfielder but is versatile enough to lead the line as a forward up top if needed. He will not only add more goals and creativity to Mikel Arteta’s midfield but also improve the overall depth of his squad at North London. Plus, the Gent playmaker will increase competition for the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gabriel Martinelli for a starting spot at the Emirates Stadium next season.
All in all, David ticks all the rights boxes in terms of what Arteta demands from his first-team players. Hence, the Gunners should prioritise on winning the chase for his signature before the start of the new campaign. But a lot would depend on whether Arsenal can end up securing a UEFA Champions League spot at the end of this current season. So Arteta should focus on getting a top-four spot if he wants to emerge victorious in the race to land the Canadian starlet this summer.
