Arsenal are favourites alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United to sign Lille star Jonathan David.
The Gunners were tipped to sign a new striker this summer, but they were not close to recruiting anyone.
Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko were the top targets, but neither of them was available in the transfer market.
Arsenal are reportedly one of the clubs in contention to sign David next summer.
The Canadian striker has entered the last year of his contract, and he could leave on a free transfer when the season ends.
Tottenham and Newcastle are also ‘in the front row’ to land his signature.
Juventus are long-term admirers of the marksman, but they are unlikely to compete financially with the English trio.
The striker can be persuaded to sign for £97,000 per week.
Arsenal need a better option than David
The Gunners currently have Kai Havertz as the main striker, with Gabriel Jesus as the back-up choice.
Jesus has been nursing a groin injury over the past few weeks, but the Brazilian is expected to return this weekend.
Havertz has been in good form this year, but he has also been guilty of missing clear-cut chances.
Arsenal need someone who is more clinical in front of goal, and they could make a big signing next summer.
David had a fine 2023/24 season with 26 goals to his name, but he is not guaranteed to impress in English football.
The 24-year-old has similar traits to Alexandre Lacazette, who had a brilliant scoring record in Ligue 1.
Lacazette came with a huge reputation to Arsenal, but he failed to score more than 19 goals in a single season for the club.
The Gunners need someone who can hit the 30-goal tally.
David is not the best with his ball control in the final third, and he is poor in aerial duels.
Isak would be Arsenal’s ideal striker, while Sesko has the attributes to become an elite centre-forward.
Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres would also be a superb signing. Arsenal were not keen on paying his £85 million release clause this summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.
