Chelsea’s hunt for a new talisman feels as though it has been going on for an indefinite period, with Enzo Maresca yet to land the player who could catapult his side to success.
Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen are just two names who have been on the club’s shortlist in recent weeks, but as of yet no deal has been agreed for any new striker.
As a result, Nicolas Jackson has been the man responsible for providing the goods at the top end of the pitch for the Blues in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.
Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson reacts after sustaining an injury
However, the Senegalese international has been missing since the start of February with an injury, leaving the Italian short of options at the top end of the pitch, opting to use various players in his absence.
That could all be about to change this summer, with the club already in the hunt to sign one striker, but they aren’t alone in their pursuit of the star who’s caught the eye this season.
Chelsea plot move for European star this summer
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are one of a number of Premier League sides who have gathered information on the situation surrounding Lille striker Jonathan David.
The 25-year-old also has admirers from the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester City, with a real battle facing the Blues if they are to win the race for his signature.
Lille's Jonathan David celebrates scoring their fourth goal
The Canadian, who’s out of contract at the end of June, has notched a total of 23 goals and ten assists in his 42 outings this season, carrying a real threat within the final third.
The report claims that no concrete proposals have been made for the Ligue 1 star, with David wanting more time to evaluate his options before making a decision.
Given his form, he would be a superb addition to Maresca’s squad, potentially being the Italian’s own version of a striker who’s also been on their radar in recent months.
How Jonathan David compares to Viktor Gyokeres
Sporting CP striker Gyokeres has caught the eye massively over the last few years, with his goalscoring exploits undoubtedly the reason why clubs have been keeping tabs on his progress.
Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres
The Swedish international has notched a staggering 42 goals in 42 games across all competitions this campaign, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.
The 26-year-old would cost the Blues a pretty penny this summer, with goalscorers in the modern game costing a small fortune - hence why the club have yet been unable to land a talisman for Maresca in the last few months.
It is reported that the former Coventry City man could be available for around £60m this summer, with London rivals Arsenal also keen to land his signature during the off-season.
However, when comparing his stats to David’s in 2024/25, the Swede has struggled to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition the Canadian would be on a free transfer.
jonathan-david-lille-real-madrid-champions-league
The difference between the pair is very minimal, with FBref ranking the Lille forward as a similar player to the Sporting star, showcasing how much of a sensational addition he would be.
David, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Tony Marinaro, may have registered slightly fewer combined goals and assists, but has matched Gyokeres for goals per shot on target taken this season.
How David compares to Gyokeres in 2024/25 so far
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Progressive passes
Pass accuracy
Take-on success
Passes into final third
Goals per shot on target
Stats via FBref
He’s also managed to complete more progressive passes per 90 along with a higher take-on success rate - highlighting the all-around threat he poses within the final third, being the focal point Maresca has craved in recent months.
The opportunity to sign a player of David’s calibre on a free transfer very rarely comes around with the Blues hierarchy desperately needing to take advantage of the situation that has been handed their way.
The fanbase may prefer Gyokeres due to his goalscoring ability, but David has demonstrated his quality in all areas, potentially saving the club millions and allowing Maresca to spend the funds elsewhere in their hunt for Premier League glory next season.
Chelsea captain Reece James-1 Related
[Worth more than James & Mount: Chelsea hit gold on "world-class talent"](https://www.footballfancast.com/worth-more-than-james-mount-chelsea-hit-gold-on-colwill/ "Worth more than James & Mount: Chelsea hit gold on "world-class talent"")
Chelsea have hit the jackpot on this star who is worth more than Reece James and Mason Mount.