Manager expects striker to leave, linked with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham

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Gent manager Jess Thorup has claimed in an interview with Bold that he expects Canadian striker Jonathan David to leave the Belgian side, amid reported interest from a number of Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham.

David, 20, has thrown himself on to the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs with his stunning 2019-20 form. Indeed, the striker has netted 23 goals in 40 league and cup appearances – and showed the creative nous to lay on 10 assists.

Walfoot claims that David also is interesting Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Southampton, while Goal reckon offers in the region of £17.5million could be enough for Gent to cash in on the New York-born ace.

Asked about David’s future, Gent boss Thorup stated that he is desperate to keep David for another 12 months – but admits that David “will probably move on” to one of Europe’s biggest sides in the near future.

“I hope, of course, that we can keep him for one more season. But then he will probably move on to one of the big clubs in the big leagues. There is no doubt about that,” Thorup says. “When I first saw him, I thought he was amazing.

“A player of that age with the finishing skills is very rare to see. And at the same time, he is an incredibly intelligent player. He is probably the greatest talent I’ve worked with, and I think I can safely say that there is no limit to how far he can go.”

TBR’s view – Who needs David most?

Arsenal are desperately after a striker with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looking more and more likely to leave the club – the closer he gets to the final 12 months of his current contract. Barcelona and most recently, Real Madrid, have been linked.

Tottenham also need a striker as cover for Harry Kane and David could be the ideal addition, given he is young and cheap. Liverpool do not need David as much as their north London rivals, but if Divock Origi leaves, they may need a player like David.

Spurs need David the most but for Arsenal and Liverpool, the current market dictates whether they make a move.