Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur’s prospects of signing Jonathan David have been much enhanced. Following his outstanding achievements for Lille in Ligue 1, the 24-year-old striker has been closely associated with a move to the Premier League on multiple times over years.
football.london knows the Gunners met David’s delegates back in December 2021, but a relocation to the Emirates Stadium never came to pass. Then Mikel Arteta signed Gabriel Jesus, tempting the Brazilian from Manchester City in July 2022.
Then, this summer, football.london learned Chelsea started negotiations with a Canada international about a potential Stamford Bridge relocation. Given his contract at Stade Pierre-Mauroy expires in June 2025, it is thought he was eager to depart Lille.
Still, a relocation never materialized. Now, after choosing to run down his contract with the French team, David could at last fulfill his dream of playing in the Premier League, claims the daily star.
English top division teams have been placed on red alert, according to the source; Lille is anticipated to “field offers” in the January transfer window in order to try to minimize losses. The Daily Star reports that the Canadian is also attracting interest from Barcelona, Juventus, and Inter Milan.
Speaking with La Voix du Nord in September 2023, David acknowledged that a move to the Premier League remains “very possible”. “I’m not sure, but I think it’s rather likely. I’m not sure whether I could locate myself anywhere else than the Premier League.
“It quite could be the Premier League. The ambiance is really pleasant. Watching the games in England, everything is packed every time. As a player, it inspires you much more.
Later on in 2023, Thierry Henry praised David on CBS Sports. The Arsenal great remarked: “When you have a player like Jonathan David running the way he does, in behind. His simplicity. He has none this season, hence ask him not to come play or help.
“He will go in behind if he notices the center-back dropping. But he will run as soon as he sees a gap; he is also really muscular and enjoys contacts.”
David has not lately taken front stage, although he has always been appreciated by many. The boss of Canada outlined what distinguishes the £38m-rated attacker ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
John Herdman remarked, speaking with TalkSPORT, “Jonathan is one of those silent assassins. Jonathan truly wants to go into the specifics of the game and grasp the urgent tactics, thus I really appreciate his strategically sharpness.
“He understands he’s going to lead that defensive line and will delve into the specifics of that with you; the forwards at times want to grasp other things. He has this killer instinct and is a quiet player in his surroundings.
“Tactically quite conscious and orderly, but with that instinct to be able to ghost into a penalty area and do what he does best and that is score. It truly makes a difference to have a player of that kind who can seize the opportunity. One who works delights me as I know the players truly respect that.”