Arsenal finished the summer transfer window with just Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as the main forward options going into the season. A lot of pressure will be placed on both, with a heavy fixture schedule due to the Europa League.
Fans are concerned about the pressure on both of the players to score goals, and it was expected that an additional goal source would be signed in the summer transfer window to provide more support for the two strikers.
However, it could prove to be a blessing in disguise that Edu decided against signing a third option. The reason for this is because Folarin Balogun is currently flying high in Ligue 1, and Edu prevented disrupting the Englishman’s development by engaging in a transfer battle with rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
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Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal and Tottenham showed an interest in Lille striker Jonathan David recently. Speaking to CaughtOffside, he said: “I think after the World Cup his situation will be clear, let’s see if January or next summer.
"The Fee could be around €35-40million but also depends on the performances this season. He was on Arsenal and Tottenham list one year ago then they decided to invest on Premier League proven players like Jesus and Richarlison.”
David, who was heavily linked to the club throughout last season, has had an excellent start to the current campaign. The Canada international sent a reminder of why he is still an option to explore in the future.
David has already scored four goals in Ligue 1 this season. This puts him in the top five scorers in the division, as Neymar and Kylian Mbappe lead the rankings.
Arsenal are long-term admirers of David. Their interest in him dates back to his time in Belgium with Gent before he joined Lille in 2020. If the Gunners were to sign the forward, he would become the second attack-minded player that Edu has signed from the French side after first acquiring Nicolas Pepe in 2019, which ultimately failed to work out.
However, Balogun’s magnificent start to the season has highlighted another reason why the Gunners potentially decided against pursuing a deal for the Lille forward. The Arsenal loanee has also performed well in the French top division since making a season-long loan switch to Reims in the summer transfer window. This has been proven by his impressive goal return, scoring five goals in the league so far.
Balogun scored an impressive goal against Germany on Tuesday evening as England U21s came from behind to win 3-1. Balogun's well-taken goal levelled the scoreline as he proved to be the catalyst to his team’s victory.
He is following a similar path to Eddie Nketiah, in terms of his England Under-21s domination. Nketiah is the all-time top scorer for his nation at that age level, having scored 14 goals, as he was consistently tasked with leading the line.
With Jesus and Nketiah the current strikers at the club, signing another forward in David would have been detrimental for Balogun’s chance to breakthrough into Arsenal’s first team, as three strikers ahead of the youngster would have closed the door on his future prospects.
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