In a recent report, Football.London has named Lille forward Jonathan David in the list of ten players Arsenal could sign in the upcoming transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks set to add to his attacking options ahead of the 2022/23 season.
‘The Lille striker is highly admired by many figures at Arsenal including technical director Edu, who held a meeting with David’s agent.’ – The report read.
‘David has just helped Canada qualify for the World Cup for just the second time in their history and wants to leave the French side this summer. His preference would be a move to La Liga, but he is open to joining a Premier League team.’
Arsenal are among the favourites to qualify for the upcoming season of the UEFA Champions League; however, Arteta would need to find the missing pieces of the puzzle to put up a strong fight in Europe. A clinical number nine has been on the London club’s radar for quite some time now, and a move for Jonathan David is a real possibility.
Having come through the ranks at Belgian side K.A.A Gent, David signed for Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille in the summer of 2020 for a fee in the region of €30 million (the highest-ever transfer fee paid for a Canadian football player). Over the course of the last two seasons, the ‘phenomenon’ has scored thirty goals in eighty-nine appearances for the Mastiffs, winning a league title and a Super Cup in the process.
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With sixteen goals in forty appearances across all competitions, the Canadian international has managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board this term – averaging 1.9 shots, 0.9 key passes, 0.7 dribbles, and 0.2 long balls per ninety minutes in the French top-flight. Capable of playing as a striker or an attacking midfielder, versatility is one of his prime strengths.
The Brooklyn-born forward’s finishing skills are second to none, is quick to anticipate build-ups, can link up the play effortlessly, and above all, he has helped Canada qualify for the World Cup for just the second time in their history at the mere age of 22.
The Perfect Solution To Edu’s Striker Search?
The Gunners failed to recruit a striker in the January transfer window despite pursuing a deal for Dusan Vlahovic. Later, the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left a gaping hole in Arsenal’s front-line, and with Eddie Nketiah’s contract expiring at the end of the season, there’s no doubt that Mikel Arteta needs to sign a quality forward who can slot into the starting line-up straight away – and Jonathan David fits the bill perfectly.
The 22-year-old has impressed domestically and internationally so far this season, so his recruitment will definitely strengthen the Gunners’ ranks at the top of the pitch.
(Stats from WhoScored)
