Arsenal are reportedly leading the charge in the pursuit of Lille’s prolific striker Jonathan David, as the Gunners aim to address their long-standing need for a reliable No. 9 next season. The North London club’s lack of a consistent striker has been a glaring issue this campaign, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz failing to deliver consistently in the latter stages of the season. Even midfielder Mikel Merino was forced to step into the role at one point, highlighting the depth of the problem.
The Gunners’ struggles were evident as they fell short in the Premier League title race, with Liverpool eventually clinching the crown. Their Champions League dreams were also dashed in the semi-finals, where they were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain. These setbacks have reportedly intensified Arsenal’s focus on securing a top-tier striker in the upcoming transfer window.
Jonathan David has emerged as a prime target, with the Canadian forward enjoying a stellar season at Lille, netting 25 goals across all competitions. According to InterLive, Arsenal are now the “hottest club” in the race for his signature, with Liverpool reportedly taking a backseat in the pursuit. The report also mentions that Juventus and Inter Milan are in the mix, with the latter said to have a strong chance of securing David’s services. However, it’s noted that Inter’s path to signing him is far from straightforward, despite their interest.
David’s contract situation adds another layer of intrigue, as he is set to become a free agent in the summer. This means the decision will ultimately rest with the player, making the competition for his signature even more intense. While Arsenal appear to be in a strong position, the race remains wide open.
Meanwhile, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Arsenal’s priority is indeed a new striker, but he also highlighted two other names on their radar. Speaking to TBRFootball, Bailey stated, “A new number nine is where most of their focus is. It’s likely to be either Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko, but nothing is certain yet.” Both players have been linked with the Gunners in recent months, but the club is reportedly exploring multiple options to ensure they land the right fit.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal’s pursuit of a striker promises to be one of the most closely watched stories in football. With Jonathan David, Gyokeres, and Sesko all in the frame, the Gunners are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to strengthen their attack and mount a serious challenge for silverware next season.
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