Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal could sign £42.2m striker for free amid contract issue

A striker who is being linked with a move to Arsenal will reportedly reject a new contract amid transfer interest. The Gunners have regularly been linked with strikers over the last couple of years, with Mikel Arteta resisting the urge to add an out and out goalscorer since the signing of Gabriel Jesus.

Arteta has often been told that the lack of goalscorer is the reason Arsenal haven’t been able to outrun Manchester City, but goals have not been a problem for the most part. Champions City scored just five more goals than the Gunners across last season, and they had Erling Haaland leading the line.

Having said all that, with Arsenal having bolstered their squad in almost every position but striker over the last two years, it is likely the club will strengthen up top either this January or the following summer. Though, with the striker market a pricey one, it remains to be seen who will be a realistic option.

One player regularly linked with Arsenal is Lille forward Jonathan David. The Canada international has proven his status as a reliable goalscorer, scoring 72 goals in 148 league games for Lille since 2020, while he has 29 goals in 56 games for Canada at international level.

David is valued at £42.2million by Transfermarkt, but crucially, he is out of contract at the end of this season and he seems to be resisting a new deal, making him a very real option for Arsenal, transfer ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano has suggested.

“Another striker linked with Arsenal from time to time has been Jonathan David, who has also spoken recently about his future,” Romano said in his Daily Briefing.

“Jonathan David has spoken about being open to signing a new contract with Lille, but I don’t think it’s likely from what I know. The situation for his future his more open than limited to new Lille deal. He’s going to explore several options before deciding anything, so I think there are a few long months ahead to consider all opportunities, and nothing specific with other clubs to mention yet.”

If David does not pen a new deal, Arsenal will be able to agree a pre-contract agreement to sign him for free from January 1.