Arsenal-linked 23-goal, 10-assist attacker says he’d love to play in the Premier League

Add as preferred source on Google

Reported Arsenal target Jonathan David has admitted that he would love to play in the Premier League, in conversation with The Guardian.

The Gunners have been linked with a summer transfer swoop for the Gent sharpshooter, amid apparent uncertainty over the Emirates Stadium futures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Goal.com suggests that Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta feels David could have the potential to replace Aubameyang, with Arsenal scouts impressed by the 20-year-old when seeing him in action.

However, David appears to be a player in demand, with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly interested in the young striker, who has registered 23 goals and 10 assists this term.

In a boost for Arsenal and the other reported suitors, David has made clear his desire to one day ply his trade in the Premier League, even if it’s not something he’s thinking about much at the moment, given how much game time he’s getting at Gent.

“I don’t really focus on that or think much about it,” the Canada international told The Guardian. “Right now I’m playing almost every minute of every game and that has really helped me get to the level that I need to be.

“I just need to take a good step where I can make sure I am getting enough time on the pitch to keep developing. I don’t want to go somewhere and just stay on the bench so it’s about taking the right step.

“I want to become one of the best strikers in the world. That’s my goal. The Premier League is the best in the world and most competitive so obviously that is somewhere I would love to play in the future.”

According to Goal.com, David does not have a release clause in his contract, but a bid of around £17.5 million is expected to be enough to tempt Gent into doing business.

TBR View:

The Belgian league has seen plenty of its players make their way to the Premier League in recent years, and with how well David has been doing, he very much looks next in line.

Indeed, his agent is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: “Without a doubt: Jonathan is ready for the next step.

“Gent has boosted his career, the club did a lot for him. I understand that they would like to keep him longer, but Jonathan wants to go ahead. The Belgian league is fantastic for young players, but the moment for the next step arrives and this will come in the summer.”

David is capable of playing on both wings, as a number 10, as a second striker and as a lone striker upfront, but whatever position he plays in, he’s a thorn in the side of opposition defenders, given his electric pace, strong physique and deft dribbling skills.

Such a talented young striker, with a proven record in a decent league, eager to play in the Premier League and for a reported starting price of £17.5million seems very much a snip and a relatively risk-free acquisition for the likes of Arsenal.