Jonathan David may not be the glamour name Premier League clubs are looking at – but he could be the best-value signing of the summer.
talkSPORT understands Barcelona and Inter are looking to steal a march on their rivals before English teams enter the scene.
The 25-year-old will be available of a free transfer having decided to run his contract down at Lille following another stunning season.
David, who helped the French side win the Ligue 1 title in 2021, has enjoyed his most productive campaign to date having chipped in with 37 goal contributions from 49 appearances.
The Canada international found the back of the net on 25 occasions – helping Lille finish fifth in the table.
But he is now set for a new chapter after five years in France, where he departs Lille as their second all-time top scorer with 109 strikes – three off Andre Strappe’s record haul.
As Premier League clubs Arsenal and Manchester United eye up moves for Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ektike who have starred outside of England, David is a player who would be an almost guaranteed win for any potential suitor.
Not only has David scored at least a quarter of century of goals in the last three seasons, but he wouldn’t cost a club a single penny.
Though any Premier League side wishing to secure his services will have their work cut out in securing his signature.
David has been vocal of his desire to ply his trade in Spain in the future due to his love of Barcelona.
Commenting on his future in a recent interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap, David said: “I think I can adapt to every league. Every league has its differences.
“The Premier League is a lot faster and more physical than all of the other leagues. For me, I grew up watching a lot of LaLiga and for me, that would be my preferred league.
“That is the league that I enjoyed watching the most so one day I would like to play there.”
One player that knows all too well the qualities that David possesses is his Canada teammate Cyle Larin, who he could face next season should he make the move to Spain.
Larin, who stars at Mallorca, has tipped David to be a star in LaLiga – but stressed he will prove to be a hit wherever he plays.
Speaking to talkSPORT.com about David’s best traits and what league would be best suited to him, Larin remarked: “Yes, I think he can be a very great player in LaLiga.
“He’s a very smart player and if you watch him play, he knows his position.
“He can finish the ball. He’s a very smart player.
“And I think you need that to play in this league.
“He’s good with his feet and can score and assist.
“For me, he can play in any league. He’s a great player.”
Commenting on what David could expect in LaLiga should he join him in Spain, Larin stated: “I think the players are very tactical, very smart players.
“Almost all of them are really good with the ball.
“It’s a tighter space, the ball moves quicker and it’s a very tactical game.”
Before adding: “I think other leagues like the Premier League are a faster pace, but I think LaLiga is very technical.”
David has already proven this season he can thrive on the big stage having banged in seven goals during his ten Champions League outings.
He scored against Real Madrid, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, while he was also on target against Liverpool at Anfield
In a summer where there is a surplus of top-level strikers, David could represent the best market opportunity for any club.
