Lille forward Jonathan David has confirmed that he will leave the Ligue 1 side this summer following the expiry of his contract.
In a message on X announcing his departure, David thanked the Lille fans for their support during his five seasons in the north of France, saying that he “truly holds them in his heart”.
David, 25, has been consistently linked with Premier League sides, most notably Arsenal, but recent reports suggest Napoli are in pole position to sign the forward. With his contract set to expire, David becomes one of Europe’s most valuable free agents this summer.
The Canadian international joined Lille from Belgian Side KAA Gent in August 2020 on a five-year deal for around £25 million, making him the most expensive Canadian player ever.
With Lille, he scored 109 goals and registered 30 assists in 231 appearances, which helped his side win the French league title in 2021 and regularly compete in European competitions.
His last match for Les Dogues will be at home to Stade Reims in Ligue 1 on the 17th of May, as Lille continue to battle with Nice and Strasbourg for a spot in Champions League qualification.
Who will sign Jonathan David?
Napoli appear to be the front runners in the race to sign David, who is currently Canada’s all-time top goal scorer, with 32 goals. The Italians are rumoured to have made a formal offer to David, but nothing has been agreed yet.
Antonio Conte’s side is currently pushing Inter Milan in a title race but seems to be preparing for next season when they will once again play Champions League football.
The Parthenopeans will hope to add to their firepower with the addition of David, having lost both Victor Omishen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, both members of their most recent Serie A title-winning side. Although goals from an ageing Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay have plugged the gap recently.
Jonathan David has also been linked with moves to the Premier League in the past, with Arsenal and Manchester United keen on the Canadian.
Arsenal may also be keen on David, having operated for most of this season without a recognised centre-forward, which many pundits have linked to Arteta’s side’s failure to claim a trophy.
Manchester United will also be desperate to fix their striker woes with recent acquisitions Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund managing just seven goals between them in the Premier League this season, despite costing a combined £100 million.
A shrewd free transfer like Jonathan David would be a good signing for Ruben Amorim as he attempts to save Manchester United.
