Mohammed Salah’s contract stand-off with Liverpool could have a major impact on Arsenal’s summer transfer business ahead of next season.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Salah and his agent have no intention of accepting Liverpool’s current new contract offer, with the Egyptian's current deal set to expire in 2023.
It is potentially for this reason that the Reds are continuing to monitor Lille and Canada striker Jonathan David ahead of a possible bid, according to French news outlet Le10 Sport.
While Salah's possible departure could level the playing field somewhat; if Arsenal were to lose out on a player who would seem the perfect fit as an Alexandre Lacazette successor, it would represent a huge blow.
The Gunners have been heavily linked to the Canadian youngster since the start of the campaign as Edu looks to end the striker shortage that currently looks like the only reason why the club may fail to secure a top-four finish.
Arsenal are long-term admirers of the young striker and their interest in him dates back to his time in Belgium with Gent before he joined Lille in 2020. Given how smart their recruitment strategy is, Arsenal should be looking to snare anyone on Liverpool's radar before they're wearing a Reds shirt and it's too late.
David 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.
Arsenal will be in desperate need of a new striker in the summer transfer window, with both Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah's days looking increasingly numbered.
Crystal Palace are hopeful of signing the Englishman on a free transfer in the summer after Patrick Vieira's failed attempts to bring him at the start of this season, with the two clubs unable to agree on a fee.
If he does depart from the club, along with Lacazette, then Folarin Balogun would be the only remaining striker at the club, meaning two striker signings may be required to combat the need for greater squad depth if Arsenal secure a return to the Champions League.
David has been performing excellently this season in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League, playing a pivotal part in the club’s progress to the round of 16 in Europe's elite competition and it is clear why Liverpool are also interested.
Arteta’s use of his wingers and his striker in the last few weeks have been reminiscent of Jurgen Klopp’s attacking system with Lacazette playing in the Roberto Firmino false nine role.
So both clubs' interest in David makes sense due to the similarities in their attacking system but with Liverpool being further ahead in their squad strength, it could provide a more attractive destination for the Canadian striker.
Salah's situation at Liverpool is a complex one and won't be solved overnight as he angles for a better contract and Liverpool don't appear minded to increase their offer significantly anytime soon. If the Egyptian stays put, the need for attacking reinforcements at Anfield lessens and that could help lead David to the Emirates.
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