Arsenal eyes light up with European club ‘prepared to sell’ deadly £42m striker target
A trusted source has claimed Lille are prepared to sell £42m-rated Arsenal target Jonathan David, and prior reports have indicated the one thing the Gunners must now do.
Arsenal’s forward line could look unrecognisable when next season begins. Pierre-Emerick Aubamneyang has already left for Barcelona and try as they might, a replacement wasn’t signed.
Dusan Vlahovic was the man Arsenal pursued, though the Serbian ultimately ended up at Juventus.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah could both depart. The pair will both become free agents on June 30.
As such, all eyes will be on who Edu and Mikel Arteta sign to ensure they are not bereft of firepower.
Strikers far and wide including Darwin Nunez, Lautaro Martinez and Paulo Dybala have been linked. However, the latest update from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano suggests a deal for Lille’s Jonathan David is more likely.
The Canada international, 22, has long been linked with a move to England. Along with Arsenal, the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been mentioned by one outlet or another.
The Express previously reported Edu was a big fan of David and his numbers this season indicate why.
David has bagged 17 goals in all competitions including three in the Champions League. He is Lille’s top scorer this season and his performances suggest he will continue to go from strength to strength in the years to come.
Jonathan David ready to step up
However, Lille are now reportedly prepared to cash in on several of their biggest names this summer – including David.
Romano tweeted Lille are ‘prepared to sell some players this summer’ before only naming David in his post. The journalist added his price tag is €50m (£42m).
A deal could be there for the making, and prior reporting from Sky Germany would suggest Arsenal must qualify for the Champions League to be in with a shout.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg previous tweeted in late-February: “Update Jonathan David: The 22 y/o striker wants to leave Lille in summer. No release clause.
“Sources expect a price tag around €45-55m. His new club should play Champions League next season. No contact with Newcastle so far. Too expensive for the Bundesliga.”
Arsenal are currently in possession of fourth spot, though only hold a slender two-point advantage over Tottenham.
Their chances of acquiring David may rest on holding off their local rivals.
The post Arsenal eyes light up with European club ‘prepared to sell’ deadly £42m striker target appeared first on TEAMtalk.