Word stemming from the English media this week suggests that Premier League pair Arsenal and Newcastle United are expressing a keen interest in one of Ligue 1’s standout talents.
The player in question? Jonathan David.
As per a report from The Mirror, backed elsewhere across the continent, David, a Canadian international striker, is on the wishlist of both Arsenal and Newcastle heading into the summer window.
This comes as both outfits eye a statement addition to their frontline ahead of potentially prosperous respective 2022/23 campaigns.
The pass 🔥 The finish ✨
Jonathan David doubles Canada’s lead. 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/H3d18acyC0
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 28, 2022
All told, David, boasting an impressive combination of pace, technical ability and confidence in front of goal, has found the back of the net on 16 occasions.
One potential stumbling block for any potential suitors, however, could come in the form of the Canadian’s price-tag, with Lille, as so often proves the case with emerging talents at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, expected to demand a premium fee for David’s services.
Jonathan David at centre of Arsenal vs Newcastle transfer battlehttps://t.co/WIJuhehjQv pic.twitter.com/YkooV36FYP
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) February 24, 2022
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Gunners getting desperate
So, just who needs David more? Arsenal or Newcastle?
It of course goes without saying that both clubs could do with bringing in fresh faces up top this summer.
Newcastle, for one, were forced to pay over the odds to clinch the signature of Chris Wood from fellow relegation candidates Burnley in January, owing to a dearth of dependable options at the disposal of Eddie Howe.
Beyond the New Zealand international, Joelinton has now been converted into a full-time midfielder, whilst Callum Wilson continues to struggle for fitness.
Over at Arsenal, though, the situation will be bordering on a full-blown crisis come the campaign’s conclusion.
This comes with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s January exit set to be followed in short order by the departures of both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, upon the expiration of their respective contracts in June.
It is the Gunners, in turn, who appear in most dire need of David’s signature, albeit with further attacking additions to Mikel Arteta’s ranks likely required, too.
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