Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been given a huge boost to their hopes of signing Jonathan David. The 24-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League on numerous occasions over the years following his impressive performances for Lille in Ligue 1.
football.london understands that the Gunners held meetings with David's representatives back in December 2021, but a move to the Emirates Stadium failed to materialise. Mikel Arteta proceeded to sign Gabriel Jesus instead, luring the Brazilian from Manchester City in July 2022.
Then, this summer, football.london understood that Chelsea opened talks with the Canada international over a possible move to Stamford Bridge. It's believed that he was eager to leave Lille, with his contract at Stade Pierre-Mauroy set to expire in June 2025.
But, again, a move didn't materialise. Now, according to the Daily Star, David could finally fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League after deciding to run down his contract with the French club.
The report states that English top flight sides have been put on red alert, with Lille expected to 'field offers' in the January transfer window as they look to cut their losses. The Daily Star adds that Barcelona, Juventus and Inter Milan are also showing interest in the Canadian.
Speaking to La Voix du Nord in September 2023, David admitted a move to the Premier League remains 'very possible'. He said: "I don't know, I think it's possible, very possible. I don't know if I can find myself anywhere other than the Premier League.
"It could well be the Premier League. It's a very nice atmosphere. In England, when I watch the matches, everything is full each time. As a player, it motivates you even more."
Then, later that season on CBS Sports in 2023, Thierry Henry heaped praise on David. The Arsenal legend said: "When you have a player like Jonathan David, who runs the way he does, in behind. His directness. Don’t ask him to come to play or assist because he has none this season.
"If he sees the centre-back dropping, then he will go in behind. But as soon as he sees there is a gap, he will run and he is also pretty strong too and he loves contacts."
David hasn't suddenly burst onto the scene, though – he's been admired by many for a while now. Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Canada manager explained what makes the £38m-rated striker so unique.
Speaking to talkSPORT, John Herdman said: "Jonathan is one of those silent assassins. He’s very clued up tactically and that’s what I really enjoy about Jonathan, he really wants to get into the details of the game and understand the pressing tactics.
"The forwards at times want to understand other elements, he knows he’s going to lead that defensive line and will get into the details of that with you. For him, he’s a quiet player around the environment and a quiet presence and has this killer instinct.
"Tactically very organised and very aware, but with that instinct to be able to ghost into a penalty area and do what he does best and that is score. To have a player of that quality who can take that moment, it really makes a difference. One who does the work excites me and I know the players really respect that."