Mikel Arteta could have been given a key insight to his next striker signing due to the ability of his targets being able to carry their country to a major competition. The Gunners will be in desperate need of a striker in the summer, as this season they have lacked a frontman who can put the team on his back during times of need.
The club have been heavily linked with Jonathan David, Victor Osimhen and Alexander Isak in recent times. All three forwards had a crucial part to play in attempting to get their nation to the World Cup in Qatar in November.
However, David was the only player out of these targets who achieved World Cup qualification, and he had a major part to play in helping Canada reach their first-ever World Cup. The 22-year-old alongside Alphonso Davies are the standout stars for the Canadian national team, and David is tasked with the toughest challenge of all: leading the team in scoring.
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Osimhen's Nigeria were unfortunately eliminated from qualification by Thomas Partey’s Ghana in a 1-1 result which saw the Super Eagles lose on away goals. Meanwhile, Isak’s Sweden were beaten 2-0 by Poland in an all-or-nothing qualifier.
The Gunners have been heavily linked to David since the start of the campaign. Edu is looking to end the striker shortage that currently looks like the only reason why the club may fail to secure a top-four finish. football.london understands the Gunners are looking to bring in two strikers this summer, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang already gone and Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah likely to follow in the summer.
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.
The young striker already has 13 goals in Ligue 1 - a total that only four players can better this season. And while he plays in a front two at Lille, he is a player who matches Lacazette stylistically and could help ensure a more seamless transition for Arsenal at that end of the field.
The youngster will be available for a transfer in the summer. Speaking to Radio Canada, David’s agent Nick Mavromaras said: "For us, the objective is to finish the season in Lille, but it will be his last season there for several reasons."
David has been performing excellently this season in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League. He played a pivotal part in the club's European knockout stage progression before eventually being knocked out by Chelsea in the round of 16.
The Canadian striker’s exploits at club and international level in terms of being able to lead his teams to surprising success could certainly be appealing to Arteta. Especially with the £46million price tag for him which could prove to be a bargain.
