Arsenal have been tipped to sign one of Ligue 1’s most consistent strikers in January, according to Tutto Mercato Web journalist Niccolo Ceccarini.
The Gunners were widely fancied to bolster the centre-forward department over the summer, but the club decided against an addition to the squad.
However, this has not ended the speculation and Ceccarini claims that Arsenal could go head-to-head with Inter and Juventus for Lille’s Jonathan David.
The London giants have not made a ‘decisive move’ yet, but could do soon.
David would be a good addition on cut-price deal
David netted an impressive 26 goals alongside nine assists for Lille last season. He has continued the good form this term with four goals and two assists so far.
His current deal with Lille expires at the end of the season. This could force the Ligue 1 outfit to accept a cut-price in January rather than losing him on a free transfer.
The 24-year-old is valued at £42 million by Transfermarkt, but we won’t be surprised if Les Dogues are prepared to sanction his sale for around £21m this winter.
For such a low price, Arsenal should consider an approach if Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus fail to deliver regular goals between now and the January transfer window.
David has been a regular striker at Lille, but he can also operate out wide or as an attacking midfielder.
Aside from his goalscoring ability, he has the knack for creating chances. David also has a good work rate and has impressed with his distribution in and around the box.
Arsenal may want spend big on a marquee marksman until next summer. In David, the club would have a good solution in mid-season without making a huge outlay.