Arsenal are reportedly still contemplating whether to make a future approach for Lille forward Jonathan David.
Throughout the summer transfer window, it was widely speculated that the Gunners would sign a new number nine given their struggle for goals through that area of the pitch during 2023-24.
However, despite the big-money sale of Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace, Mikel Arteta ultimately failed to add a recognised player for that position.
In four Premier League matches this season, Arsenal have accumulated 10 points, yet they have only scored the six goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur.
Although the level of opposition will be taken into consideration, that is down on what would have been expected, potentially giving Arteta an issue to solve.
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Lille man still on radar
As much as it was a surprise that Arsenal failed to add a fresh face for the centre of their attack, it was equally a shock that David remained at Lille.
With a year left on the Canada international's contract, it was anticipated that the free-scoring striker would be sold or push to take on a fresh challenge.
Playing Champions League football at a club that has shown him loyalty since 2020 perhaps played its part, yet everything is currently pointing to a transfer in 2025.
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are continuing to assess whether they want to push for the signing of the 24-year-old.
David allegedly features high up on Arteta's shortlist at a time when the North Londoners could face competition from Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan.
The report adds that David prefers to keep his options open at this stage, with foreign clubs in a position to hold discussions over a pre-contract agreement at the turn of the year.
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Arteta's new first choice?
Earlier this week, a report indicated that Arteta had moved away from wanting to acquire a traditional number nine such as RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.
Despite scoring at a similar rate to the Slovenia international, David is far more versatile and diminutive, like other attackers in the Arsenal ranks.
Arsenal are also aware of the benefits of signing such a highly-regarded player on a free transfer. David has contributed 87 goals and 20 assists from his 192 outings for Lille, as well as 29 strikes from 56 outings for Canada.
Darren Plant
