Jonathan David’s impressive start to the new Ligue 1 campaign has sent Arsenal a transfer reminder...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Jonathan David has had an impressive start to the season.
Arsenal finished the summer transfer window with just Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as the forward options going into the season. A lot of pressure will be placed on both forwards with a heavy fixture schedule due to the club set to take part in four competitions, which include the Premier League, Europa League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
The Gunners had a number of options in the summer transfer window to address the forward areas with Edu opting for Gabriel Jesus. While this has certainly proved to be the right decision, Arsenal are still lacking firepower to further support Jesus and Nketiah.
Jonathan David, who was heavily linked to the club throughout last season, has had an excellent start to the current campaign. The Canada international sent a reminder of why he is still an option to explore in the future.
David has already scored four goals in Ligue 1 this season. This puts him in the top five scorers in the division, as Neymar and Kylian Mbappe lead the rankings.
Arsenal are long-term admirers of David. Their interest in him dates back to his time in Belgium with Gent before he joined Lille in 2020. If the Gunners were to sign the forward, he would become the second attack-minded player that Edu has signed from the French side after first acquiring Nicolas Pepe in 2019, which ultimately failed to work out.
The youngster was available for a transfer in the summer, and reportedly for a £47m transfer fee. Speaking to Radio Canada, David’s agent Nick Mavromaras said: “For us, the objective is to finish the season in Lille, but it will be his last season there for several reasons.”
However, his dip in form towards the end of the last season meant that he was unable to secure a big move away from the French side.
Despite Jesus’ arrival, Edu still needs to add more firepower to Arteta’s options in the summer transfer window. Nketiah and Jesus will need more goal support throughout the season from different areas of the pitch.
Arsenal captured Jesus from Manchester City, and he has been a revelation in the early stages of his Gunners career. The Brazilian has scored three goals in his first six Premier League games with the club.
Mikel Arteta has been utilising Jesus as a striker throughout the pre-season. However, his recent comments about the new signing suggest that he also wants to use him in a different role in the wing position throughout the season.
Speaking about Jesus, Arteta said: “His versatility is well known. Now we are using him as a nine. He can play as a winger, off the left and the right. You can play with two strikers as we have done in pre-season as and change the shape a little bit. He gives us a lot of flexibility.”
With David’s contract set to only have two years remaining beyond January, it means that Arsenal could sign him for a bargain deal. If Arteta opts to use Folarin Balogun as an asset rather than a player in his squad, then David would certainly be a good option as another attacker in the team.
