Arsenal are now firmly in the hunt for Lille’s 25‑year‑old striker Jonathan David, set to become a free agent this summer. They’ve joined West Ham in a growing scramble—but David remains high on Arsenal’s shortlist as reported by Caught Offside.
He ticks the boxes. 23 goals and 10 assists in 41 outings (including Champions League returns) this season. A player once criticized for underwhelming on big nights—now shining brightly on Europe’s biggest stage.
West Ham even invited his agent to London to watch a match—an overture David may have considered. But Arsenal’s ‘increasing’ interest places them firmly in contention.
Gabriel Jesus is sidelined until December, while Kai Havertz has underwhelmed. David offers reliability, hunger and value—no transfer fee needed.
David’s form is elite: he’s chalked up 25 goals and 12 assists this season, and contributed goals in European matches against Liverpool, Juventus and Real Madrid.
Arsenal aren’t ignoring other targets—Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko remain potential marquee signings. But David represents a shrewd, no‑risk acquisition who can deliver immediately while others remain expensive bets.
Competition stiffens. Arsenal may lead—but rivals lurk.
For Arsenal, this feels urgent. A quality striker entering prime years—on a free—is rare. Signing David fast could shift the balance in Arsenal’s season and next.
If David chooses north London, he won’t just be a squad member.
He’d become the heartbeat of a new era—proof that smart, decisive moves beat big-money gambles.