Arsenal now leading race to sign Jonathan David

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Jonathan David in recent months.

Although the Gunners didn’t manage to land him in January, it looks as though they’re working hard to get him for next season.

Now, according to Defensa Central, Arsenal are the frontrunners to secure David’s signature from Lille.

This is despite competition from Real Madrid, claimed the Spanish outlet.

Arsenal lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer and only have two senior strikers on their books.

In addition, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are out of contract in the summer.

Therefore, Arsenal have a pressing need to bring in one or more centre-forwards in the close season.

David would be a great shout; he has been truly outstanding for the Ligue 1 champions this term.

The 22-year-old has scored 16 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions, including 12 in the top flight.

“It will be his last season there”

In December, David’s agent revealed that his client would be on the move in the summer.

Nick Mavromaras told Radio Canada: “For us, the goal is to finish the season in Lille.

“But it will be his last season there for several reasons.

“I think the Premier League is a good option for him.

“I think that he likes Spain a lot also because he likes the feeling of the ball and the very technical players.

“These two leagues are a big priority for him, but nothing is excluded.”

Defensa Central now claims that Lille are already ‘starting to place him’ in possible destinations.

Real Madrid would appeal, but Arsenal are ahead of the Spanish giants, claimed the outlet.

The Gunners will apparently make a ‘strong bid’ to get a player previously deemed a “phenomenon” ahead of the competition.

Meanwhile, if Los Blancos fail to sign Erling Haaland, and both Mariano Diaz and Luka Jovic leave the club, then David would be an alternative.

According to Calciomercato, Lille value David at 60m euro (£50m).

This is around £16million cheaper than former Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic, who joined Juventus for just over £66m.