Arsenal in “front row” for Manchester United transfer target Jonathan David | OneFootball

Arsenal have overtaken Manchester United in the race to sign Lille’s prolific forward Jonathan David, as per reports.

United got one over Arsenal this summer, having convinced their highly-rated striker Chido Obi-Martin to move to Old Trafford. The Dane will officially become a United player once the deal is signed off by the Premier League.

Now, it appears the North London side are positioning themselves to secure the signature of David and hand the Red Devils a transfer blow in the process.

United have long been linked with the Canadian star, who has established himself as one of the best forwards in France in recent seasons.

Last term, the 24-year-old was directly involved in 35 goals across all competitions for Lille. He has started the new season like he ended the last, scoring three goals and assisting twice in seven appearances in all competitions.

The 13-time Premier League champions have admired the player for a very long time. In the recently concluded transfer window, United reportedly approached his representatives to explore the possibility of a summer move.

David, however, stayed at Lille and has now entered the final 12 months of his deal, meaning he will be free to negotiate a pre-agreement with an overseas club from January 1 ahead of a free transfer next summer.

David has also been monitored by Juventus, but according to TuttoJuve, his future seems to be in the Premier League.

However, it is Arsenal who have been named among the clubs considered to be in the “front row” to sign him. It is suggested Mikel Arteta’s side have financial resources to offer the Canada international “well over €6 million per season.”

Instead of the Old Trafford outfit, Arsenal are facing serious competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

United signed versatile forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna to challenge Rasmus Hojlund for the starting spot this summer.

Interestingly, as per Fabrizio Romano, United will consider Obi Martin as their third choice striker under Ten Hag. As such, if things pan out well at Carrington, the Mancunian giants might not need David after all.

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