Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United are among a host of top European sides with a long-standing interest in Lille striker Jonathan David. And their pulling power looks set to be put to the test next summer, with the 24 year old reportedly deciding to run down his contract and move on as a free agent.
David is on course for another goal-laden season, having found the net eight times in 12 matches so far. Despite his age, the Canadian international boasts more than a half-century of caps and over 150 career goals.
Spurs, the Gunners and United have all taken note, along with the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle United, Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona. The battle for his services is poised to become even more competitive, with Football Espana reporting that David has decided not to extend his Lille contract, which will expire at the end of this season.
A player of his goal-scoring pedigree does not come around on the free agent market often. Even during the latest summer transfer window, when David had a year left on his deal, Chelsea, United, Tottenham and West Ham all reportedly spoke with his entourage to assess the possibility of a move.
Others are now in the equation and reports indicate that several have already made fresh contact with a view to laying the groundwork for a switch in 2025. David grew up mainly in Canada and jetted to Belgium as a teenager to begin life as a professional footballer with Gent, reports the Express.
He scored 37 goals in 83 games before joining up with Lille in 2020. David's high-profile winner for Lille against Real Madrid in the Champions League last week has certainly put him on the radar of potential suitors. Bruno Genesio, Lille's manager, is already believed to be scouting out replacements in case David departs.
A move to United, Tottenham or Arsenal would see David competing with established frontmen. Kai Havertz has been a revelation for the Gunners since finding his rhythm in the centre-forward role.
Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag has Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee vying for minutes through the middle. Over at Spurs, they've recently splashed a hefty £65million on Dominic Solanke to lead the line for Ange Postecoglou.