Lille striker Jonathan David has once again commented on his future amid talk of a potential free transfer to either Manchester United, Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur.
The Canada international has already confirmed that he plans to leave Les Dogues at the end of his contract in June, and a multi-team tussle for his services is expected to materialise.
David won the Ligue 1 title in his first season with Lille in 2020-21 and has continued to go from strength to strength at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, bagging 107 goals and 27 assists in 224 matches across all tournaments.
The 25-year-old has been in red-hot form once again this season with 23 goals and 10 assists in 41 matches in all tournaments, including seven efforts from 10 Champions League games en route to the last 16, where Lille were eliminated by Borussia Dortmund.
Currently on international duty with Canada, David provided a goal and assist as the Canucks triumphed 2-1 over the USA in their CONCACAF Nations League third-placed playoff, after which the topic of his future came up.
David promises to make "wise decision" on future
© Imago
Speaking to Golazo America - as quoted by The Mirror - David affirmed that he would make a "wise decision" on his next career move and will not shy away from a fight to start as the central striker for his new club.
"Obviously, with this summer going on, I am not sure if I am staying or going. But if I do end up going, I have to push myself at the very highest level," the former Genk man replied.
"When you play for a big club, your position [in the team] is never guaranteed and you need to fight. I am never guaranteed anywhere I go to start every game and play every game, I have to perform. I am willing to fight. I know it's an important year. It is a big decision. I will make a wise decision."
Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be the three Premier League teams currently in 'concrete talks' to sign David, who has also captured the attention of West Ham United.
While most of David's suitors lie in the Premier League, the Canada international is also thought to be on the radar of Barcelona, and he recently offered the Catalan giants hope of striking a summer agreement.
Could David's latest comments harm Man United and help Arsenal?
© IconSport
David's indication that he is prepared to fight for his place at the "very highest level" may not spell good news for Manchester United, as out of the three Premier League teams in 'concrete' talks to sign him, he would surely have the easiest route to the first XI at Old Trafford.
Neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee have impressed under Ruben Amorim, and both are being linked with exits in the summer window, so David could slot straight into the first XI at the tip of the Red Devils' attack.
However, unless Amorim's men win the Europa League, they will not be playing any form of continental football next season, and the same goes for a Spurs side also languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
In contrast, an Arsenal side known to be pursuing a new centre-forward are currently the best of the rest in the division - behind Liverpool - and are in the driving seat to secure Champions League qualification for 2025-26.
David's prospective arrival should not prevent Arsenal from breaking the bank on another number nine, but if he would rather battle for his spot at a Champions League club than enjoy guaranteed starts at a non-Champions League team, either the Emirates or Camp Nou is seemingly the way to go.
Ben Knapton
