Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly among three English clubs to enter talks with the representatives of Lille striker and soon-to-be free agent Jonathan David.
Following a successful five years with the 2020-21 Ligue 1 champions, the Canada international has confirmed that he is set to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
In the prime of his career at 25 years old, David is expected to be at the heart of an intense scramble for his services this summer, and it appears that the Premier League and La Liga are his likeliest destinations.
The former Genk striker recently hinted that he would be open to a move to Spain at some point in his career, offering Barcelona hope of a swoop as they seek a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
However, La Blaugrana are expected to face competition from a multitude of clubs in England, and according to Le 10 Sport, three Premier League teams have now begun discussions with David’s camp.
Tottenham Hotspur join Arsenal, Man United in David talks?
© Imago
The report claims that Arsenal, Man United and Tottenham Hotspur are already in ‘concrete talks’ with the Canadian’s entourage and are the only teams in ‘active negotiations’ to bring him to the Premier League.
While other teams in Ligue 1 and foreign leagues are said to have expressed an interest in David, only the Gunners, the Red Devils and the Lilywhites have made serious moves thus far.
Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are supposedly the closest contenders to the Premier League trio right now, but the 25-year-old’s heart is “leaning towards” playing in England next season.
However, David is not expected to make a final decision on his future until the end of the season, and the 2000-born striker will prioritise the sporting project of interested parties above all else.
David has enjoyed a terrific 2024-25 season with Lille, bagging 23 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, taking his total for Les Dogues to 107 goals and 27 assists in 224 matches.
Arsenal, Man United, Spurs: Which club should David join?
© Imago
In terms of the sporting project on offer to David, a Champions League-competing Arsenal surely have the upper hand over Man United and Spurs, who are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
It is no secret that Arsenal are after a new marquee centre-forward this summer, but signing David on a free transfer will not prevent the Gunners from pursuing a big-money option such as Alexander Isak or Benjamin Sesko.
With Kai Havertz still on the books as well, David may find it difficult to secure regular minutes in the red half of North London, and the same can be said if he joins a Tottenham side with Dominic Solanke as the main number nine.
However, both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are flattering to deceive in the Man United attack, so David could expect the quickest path to the first XI with the Red Devils, who could still qualify for the Champions League next season by winning the Europa League.
David is one of two high-profile Lille players due to become free agents this summer alongside Angel Gomes, and Man United have apparently made a final decision on whether to welcome their former academy product back to the Theatre of Dreams.
