Report: Arsenal have made contact over 'one of the best strikers in the world' as January priority target

09/14/2024 02:45 AM

Arsenal had a fruitful transfer window this summer, bringing in a number of solid additions.

Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Neto and Raheem Sterling have all joined a Gunners outfit in pursuit of Premier League glory.

And though the English transfer window is now shut, Arsenal – like many other top clubs – appear to already be looking at next year’s market.

Now, according to CaughtOffside, Arsenal have already begun moving for “one of the best strikers in the world” ahead of the January window.

Arsenal get in touch with Jonathan David’s camp

The player in question is Jonathan David, who has gone from strength to strength at Lille over the past few years.

CaughtOffside have reported that Arsenal have been in touch with the Canada international’s entourage and will prioritise a move for him in January.

David is attracting interest from several clubs after entering the final year of his contract, added the report.

READ MORE:Arsenal call up 18-year-old who 'often makes crunching challenges' to pre-Tottenham training

What could David bring to Arsenal?

Arsenal received some criticism for failing to bring in a new centre-forward this summer, as they have lacked an out-and-out No. 9 for a while now.

David would certainly be a great shout for the Gunners, as he has proven himself at the highest level over the past few years.

The 24-year-old is a prolific striker, with 84 goals and 18 assists to his name from 183 Lille outings, plus 27 goals and 16 assists from 52 caps for Canada.

Indeed, Canadian sports expert Tony Marinaro previously described the reported Arsenal target as "one of the best strikers in the world".

Meanwhile, former Canada assistant manager Steven Caldwell said David is world-leading in several aspects.

"Very good finisher, but in the red of Canada he's been a bit hesitant in front of goal," Caldwell told Harry De Cosemo on YouTube.

"He's doing a lot of work off the ball as well, he's a real team player, Jonathan David. He's one of the best defensive forwards I've ever worked with.

"The cut-off, the easy passes into midfield and things like that are outstanding.

"He's a good presser, he understands cues when to press, he's exceptional at that, as good as anybody in the world, I would say.

"And then the other side of his game is that he's a stocky-looking guy but he's quicker than he looks. He can shift when he wants, and for Lille he's quite prolific.

"Normally, when he's in front of the goal, he makes it count."