Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar can complete a three-year transfer mission by securing a deal for Lille striker Jonathan David this summer. The Canada international has hinted at a potential move to the Premier League at the end of the season in a recent interview.
David has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium since 2020 and may land a 'dream' move to England after impressing in Ligue 1. The Gunners added Gabriel Jesus to their attacking options last summer after completing a £45million deal for the Brazilian to join from Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta will have Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun to select from at striker ahead of next season, with the latter enjoying a successful loan spell in France for Stade de Reims. David has the ability to play anywhere across the front three, as well as being able to operate in an attacking midfield role behind the striker.
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According to CIES Football Observatory, the Lille star is valued at €50million (£44.2million) with his contract set to expire in 2025. David has scored an impressive 21 goals in just 29 appearances this season, providing a further four assists, and has been a standout performer in Ligue 1 this season.
Edu has prioritised securing a deal for West Ham captain Declan Rice this summer, football.london understands. This suggests attack is not the main concern for Arsenal heading into the summer transfer window following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus last year, but the signing of David could be a smart piece of business given the injury problems the Brazilian has faced this season.
In a recent interview, David hinted that it's a 'dream' to play in the Premier League one day handing Arsenal a key boost should they pursue a deal for the Canadian striker. The Lille striker said: "The furthest I can see for the moment is the next game and helping Lille get back into top four.
"Saturday mornings growing up in Canada were about the Premier League and La Liga. The Premier League and La Liga are every kid's dream."
The Gunners have shown they are in favour of signing players that offer versatility and can contribute in multiple areas of the pitch with the arrivals of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard. Balogun's future at the Emirates Stadium is set to be decided this summer and should the Hale End graduate look to leave Arsenal to play regular football, it could open up space for David to join Arteta's squad ahead of next season.
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