Arsenal are scouring the market this winter, with the onus on bolstering the flourishing squad of players with shrewd signings to prevent a lapse across the home stretch, and LOSC Lille’s Jonathan David might be the answer to the concerns.
What’s the word?
With recent reports claiming Gunners owner Stan Kroenke is providing £50m for transfers in the January market, boss Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu have been whirring the cogs trying to identify players capable of elevating the squad even further.
Several days ago, The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder proclaimed Newcastle United and Arsenal as leading suitors for David’s name.
And the Canadian could provide the firepower necessary to ensure Arsenal’s sword remains sharpened, with club icon Kevin Campbell also recently urged the Magpies to pull out of the race and stick with their current options: Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.
Arsenal’s next Henry…
Funnily enough, David’s idol is none other than Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who retired a legend of the game and one of the all-time leading scorers in Premier League history.
Admitting Henry as one of his biggest inspirations, David heaped praise on the icon, saying:
“Thierry Henry, the way he drops off, dribbles with the ball and takes on players.
“Watching the little details of his game is something you can take and put into your game. For me, it was about working hard and putting the work in. I like to work on dribbling, on driving with the ball, being more dangerous with the ball at my feet, and taking on defenders.”
There is certainly semblance between the pair, with David’s fierce pace and prolific nature two key factors that would leave the Emirates faithful enamoured with him should he implement them in north London.
With David playing in France, another similarity is unveiled and one that will only serve to increase the hype surrounding the player’s prospective signature.
The £52.5m-rated ace boasts an impressive strike record thus far in his career, netting nine goals and offering three assists in just 14 matches this season alone.
Altogether, the sharpshooter has 41 goals in 110 appearances for his current club, having commenced his career with 37 goals in 83 matches for Belgium outfit KAA Gent.
As per FBref, David is also one of the slickest passers of the ball when regarding elite-level forwards: he ranks within the top 10% for pass completion across Europe’s top five leagues this season.
Arsenal should go all in to sign the Canadian menace – who has been lauded as a “goal machine” – as his skill set also capable of bouncing off the selfless, dynamic approach of £45m summer signing Gabriel Jesus, who Arteta will be conscious of overworking with the season shortly entering the second phase.
