Chelsea and Liverpool to battle it out for Ligue 1 striker
Chelsea and Liverpool to battle it out for Ligue 1 striker
Premier League duo Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly among the host of clubs interested in Lille forward Johnathan David, according to David Ornstein. The striker's current contract expires in June 2025 and he could become a free agent by next summer.
David is regarded as one of Europe's top center-forwards, judging by his impressive goal-scoring record with Lille. He has scored 101 goals and provided 22 assists in 208 appearances. As expected, teams are already lining up to sign the Canada international should he become available next summer. Notable mentions include Premier League teams such as Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa.
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The Reds, who are currently top of the Premier League table, could make do with the services of David. Darwin Nunez hasn't been prolific in front of goal this season with just four goals scored in 21 games across competitions this campaign.
David could also form an impressive attacking partnership at Liverpool, playing alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gapko, and Luis Diaz. The trio have all scored a combined total of 34 goals for the Reds across all competitions this season.
However, Liverpool aren't expected to have a free run at Lille's striker's signature next summer. Chelsea are also believed to have concrete interest in the 24-year-old forward.
The Blues have been very much free-scoring this season under Enzo Maresca, leading the Premier League goalscoring charts with 37. However, they could add extra firepower in attack should they manage to sign David from Lille. Chelsea have already netted a total of 62 goals across all competitions.
David could also provide strong competition for first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson, who is enjoying a decent campaign, having scored nine league goals.
"He's one of the best" - Lille manager heaps praise on Chelsea and Liverpool transfer target
Lille manager Bruno Genesio was full of praise for in-form striker David after he bagged an impressive double during their 3-1 victory against Stade Brest 29 on December 5.
He said via Le Petit Lillois:
"He performed well today (Friday), but he has been performing well since he arrived at LOSC (in August 2020). Scoring 101 goals speaks volumes. This means that there is regularity in the performance, that he plays one match after another.
"But it's not just goals for me 'Jona'. He is a player who participates a lot in the game, in its construction, and also and above all a player full of altruism. When he has to make a decisive pass, he does it, but above all he works a lot for the team.
He added:
"Wall make efforts, but he [David] is one of our strengths. He perfectly illustrates our team at this level. Having a top striker who makes as many races and shows as much generosity as him is quite rare. I think he's one of the best (in Ligue 1)."
David has been prolific for the French club this season, bagging 17 goals and four assists across all competitions, with 11 of those goals coming in the league. The striker is also attracting interest from European clubs such as Chelsea and Liverpool, as his long-term future at Lille is far from being decided.