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. He scored 37 goals in 83 games before joining up with Lille in 2020.
Any interested party hoping to swoop in under the radar for David suffered a blow last week, when he scored a high-profile winner for Lille against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Manager Bruno Genesio is already believed to be scouting out replacements for David in case he departs.
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Moves to any of United, Tottenham or Arsenal would force David to compete with the established frontmen already in their starting line-ups. Kai Havertz has been superb for the Gunners since finding his rhythm in the centre-forward role.
United boss Erik ten Hag has Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee battling it out for minutes through the middle, while Spurs have only just splashed a whopping £65million on Dominic Solanke to lead the line for Ange Postecoglou.