Arsenal: 3 striker targets in January transfer window
2. Jonathan David – Lille
Age: 21
Rumoured fee: £30m-£50m
Contract expiry: 2025
This a deal that’s got some more meat on its bones than any Vlahovic talk with it widely reported across the UK media that Arsenal have been tracking Jonathan David a lot.
Having a smashing season over in Lille where he’s netted 15 goals across 26 matches in all competitions, including three in the Champions League as Les Dogues reached the knockout stages, there is plenty of interest from sides across the continent.
Due to the current state of French football’s finances, there has been talk that he could be signed at fraction of some of the fees other strikers in Europe are commanding. Lille paid £25m for him, and the prices are now quoted as being anywhere between £30m and £47m.
Quite the margin.
What’s new on this one? Well, David’s agent has been flaunting his client across Europe by confessing that this will be his final season in Ligue 1.
"“For us, the goal is to finish the season in Lille, but it will be his last season there for several reasons,” Nick Mavromaras told Radio Canada. “I think the Premier League is a good option for him. “I think that he likes Spain a lot also because he likes the feeling of the ball and the very technical players. These two leagues are a big priority for him, but nothing is excluded.”"
Something of a come-and-get-me plea, although one that covers pretty much all bases.
However, given the extent with which he has been tracked by Arsenal, and due to him having some similar traits to Lacazette (likes to drop off, not always play on the shoulder and is physically dominant) he is one that is undoubtedly in the running when push comes to shove.
Verdict: Arsenal are definitely keen but might want a touch more experience
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