Arsenal have reportedly identified Manchester United target Jonathan David as a potential summer replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Aubameyang's future at the Emirates remains uncertain having yet to commit to a new contract and Mikel Arteta confirmed he will hold talks with the striker.
But it seems the club are already making contingency plans with Goal reporting talented Canadian star David is high on their shortlist if he departs.
The 20-year-old has attracted interest from Manchester United and also been linked with Liverpool, Chelsea and Leicester City having scored 18 goals in 26 league games for Belgian outfit Gent, as well as adding five Europa League strikes.
Mikel Arteta outlines Tyreece John-Jules plan after Arsenal youngster returns from loan
Mikel Arteta 'could sell' three Arsenal stars to land Orkun Kokcu for £23m
David has impressed Arsenal scouts since heading to Europa from Ottawa Internationals two years ago and his current club could be willing to sell for around £17.5million.
He suggested he will be open to a Premier League move in a recent interview with former Belgium international Marc Debryse.
Speaking in Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuw last month, Degryse told David: "Do not go from Gent to a small club. Rather wait. Something big will come. And that top club will come.
Three potential alternatives for Arsenal if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seeks transfer
"I think Manchester United is something for you – I’m sure you will be there in about a year and a half. Believe me."
In response, David said: "I believe you.
"I love all teams in the Premier League: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, but also Southampton, Crystal Palace, Everton … I like nice teams. I’m just not a big fan of Liverpool."
However, his agent has suggested a move to Arsenal could be too soon.
Read More
Today's top football stories on Daily Star
Ighalo snubs Shaw in interview Poch backed for Spurs return Ronaldo mother's health update Liverpool eye Coutinho return
In an interview last month, Nick Mavromaros said: “Take Arsenal. We’ll talk about top five in the Premier League.
“The next step has to be a smart one, so maybe that’s too big a jump at the moment. The whole picture has to be right. In what field does a club play?
“How does the coach feel about Jonathan? How sure is he of a base pitch? An intermediate step might be better sometimes.
“I understand that Gent would still like to keep Jonathan, but the club will also like it Gent got him for zero euros, and he will now leave for a record amount”.
Source: Read Full Article