Jonathan David makes announcement amid Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham links

Lille talisman Jonathan David has officially confirmed that he will leave the Ligue 1 outfit at the end of his contract this summer as several Premier League sides monitor a potential free transfer for the 25-year-old.

David has scored 25 goals in all competitions this season and a total of 109 in 231 appearances for Lille since arriving at the club from Gent in 2020. The striker won the Ligue 1 title with the side in 2021.

Taking to social media, the Canada international spoke in an emotional video. David said: “I wanted to tell you myself that after so many years at the club, it’s time to say goodbye. I’ve had five wonderful seasons here. I know that it hasn’t always been easy but I hope that with my goals and celebrations, that I’ve managed to bring you some joy.

Jonathan David to leave Lille as free agent

“Notably the Ligue 1 title and the Trophee des Champions and I think that with these two trophies together, we have brought a lot of pleasure and joy. I would like to thank all of my teammates, all the coaches, staff, technical and medical teams, the managers and everyone that I have met over the months at the club. Thank you very much for everything you have brought me over these years, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“Finally to the supporters, I know I didn’t have the easiest start but you have always supported me through all the difficult times and for that I truly hold you in my heart and thank you infinitely for all the beautiful moments we have shared. All the time you have been behind me and behind the team, for encouraging us and allowing us to have the seasons like we have had.”

It remains to be seen where David takes the next steps in his career but he is not set to be short of options. Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with a move for the player.

Arsenal lead Premier League race for Lille striker with West Ham and Spurs in pursuit

The Gunners are in the market for a talisman this summer having lacked firepower this term. GiveMeSport carried reports this week that Arsenal are believed to be leading the race for the player, despite progress in their pursuit of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

Meanwhile, at West Ham, the loan of Evan Ferguson from Brighton has not worked out and Graham Potter will look for a more prolific solution come the end of the season. RMC Sport named the Hammers as one side ‘interested’ in signing the player alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at the end of April.

David has also been linked with clubs on the continent. While it’s expected that he could quit Ligue 1, Lille rivals Marseille are said to be well in the transfer race for the player with desires to bring the goalscorer down south.

In other news, Andrea Berta now ready to 'prioritise' Arsenal's primary striker target.