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Report: Ligue 1 hot-shot outscoring Messi and Neymar eyed by Premier League suitors

SOURCE: Photo

This summer’s transfer window could result in a Premier League tug of war to secure the services of Ligue 1’s most in-demand striker. Canadian international hot-shot Jonathan David is attracting the attention of many of Europe’s top clubs, with Arsenal and Newcastle both reported to be “leading discussions”, according to Italian site CalcioMercato.

The story from CalcioMercato claims that David’s current Ligue 1 employers, reigning champions LOSC Lille, value the 22-year-old at £50 million. The striker has been with Lille since 2020 when he made a €30 million switch from Belgian outfit Gent, where he scored 30 goals in 60 appearances. David played a key role in Lille’s title-winning season in 2020/21, notching 13 Ligue 1 goals – 11 of which were bagged in the latter half of the campaign.

SOURCE: Photo

He has continued his red-hot form in front of goal in 2021/22, with 12 goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances so far this term, requiring only one more goal to equal last season’s tally. David is the talk of French football at present. He is outperforming the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar who are the biggest names currently performing in Ligue 1. Messi has scored just twice in 16 Ligue 1 appearances, while Neymar Jr. has had four goals in 12 appearances. Neymar is another Ligue 1 forward who could be on the move in the near future. The Brazilian icon, whose recent Netflix documentary was designed to show the real personality behind the oft-misunderstood sporting genius, is also said to be plotting his next career move, like Jonathan David.

Arsenal looking to steal a march on their rivals

The Gunners’ technical director Edu is said to be a huge fan of David’s talents and has watched his development closely in Belgium and France. Edu is reported to have met face-to-face with David’s representatives last year, with a view to agreeing a potential long-term transfer. Arsenal are very much on the look-out for a new number nine to spearhead their attack following the departure of former skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona.

Sky Germany’s reporter Florian Plettenburg provided an update stating David’s intent to leave Lille this summer. However, Plettenburg revealed that there is no formal release clause within David’s contract. Plettenburg believes David is keen to play for a team that qualifies for the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League, which could rule Newcastle United out of a move. Nevertheless, money talks in football, and the cash-rich Magpies could afford a contract that blows most of its transfer rivals out of the water this summer.

La Liga giants also retain an interest in David

It’s not a given that Jonathan David is Premier League-bound this summer. That’s if you believe Spanish transfer market portal Fichajes, which states that La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also holding a watching brief on David’s progress. The report claims David is one of three targets interesting both Barça and Real this summe, yhe other two names being Napoli’s goalscoring midfielder Fabian Ruiz and Racing’s fast-developing midfield sensation Pablo Torre.

Nevertheless, with funds tight for both Barça and Real, it’s possible that Arsenal and even Newcastle could outcompete the La Liga sides financially this summer. For Arsenal, it is imperative that they pep up their forward line. Aside from Aubameyang’s departure in January, it’s looking increasingly likely that Alexandre Lacazette will follow the Gabonese star out of the Emirates Stadium this summer. This would pave the way for Jonathan David to come in as the Gunners’ marquee striker. Fans are crying out for a new hero and fresh investment in the squad, given that the club’s season ticket prices are set to become the most expensive in the Premier League in 2022/23.

David has made his name on the international stage as well as the European stage. He has already made 27 appearances for the Canadian national team and has scored a hugely impressive 20 goals in that time. David and Canada are in great shape to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar this winter. They remain undefeated in the Third Round of CONCACAF qualification after 11 games. With three qualifiers remaining, they sit eight points clear of fourth-placed Panama, with fourth spot advancing to the inter-confederation playoffs instead of direct entry into the 2022 World Cup.

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