Chelsea are faced with a crunch attacking decision as Arsenal and Newcastle lead the English contingent for striker Jonathan David, as per reports.
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy have splashed out roughly £150million on the signings of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku in the past two seasons. Neither have been a major success, with Werner struggling in the Premier League and Lukaku not fitting the system.
While they have faltered, 22-year-old David has been impressing for Lille since he signed for them in 2020.
And he is set to be at the centre of a transfer battle involving multiple top teams this summer.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund are watching him closely, while Premier League interest comes from the Gunners and the Toon.
As one of Europe’s most exciting young prospects, David has also come on to the radar of Chelsea.
However, Goal report that at present, the Blues are unable to compete with the aforementioned teams for his signature.
That’s because they would need to shift either Lukaku or Werner first to make space for and fund his arrival.
It’s believed a fee of around €45m (£37.5m) will be required to sign David from the reigning Ligue 1 champions.
Therefore, Thomas Tuchel must decide whether to stick with his current under-performing options or take a gamble on the Canada international.
Exits for both of his current strikers look to be possible this summer. Werner has been previously linked to a return to the Bundesliga.
And Lukaku, who has come under-fire for his recent performances, could return to Inter Milan on loan, it’s been suggested.
David appears to be keen on a move to England. During an interview with French outlet Jeunes Footeux (via football.london), he said: “I’m under contract at LOSC. The most important thing for me is to finish the season as well as possible.
“What happens after that, we will see. The Premier League attracts everyone. It is the most competitive league in the world. It is a really good league.”
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David’s agent, Nick Mavromaras, has already given his verdict on a potential transfer for his client too.
The representative said back in December: “For us, the goal is to finish the season in Lille. But it will be his last season there for several reasons.
“I think the Premier League is a great option for him. I think he likes Spain a lot too. He likes the feeling of the ball and they are very technical players.
“These two leagues are a big priority for him, but nothing is excluded. You never know, with Paris Saint-Germain or the big Italian clubs.”
READ MORE: Cracks begin to show in Chelsea transfer saga as target ‘prefers’ alternative summer destination
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