David has his big Arsenal audition against Chelsea

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 22 Feb 2022 09:46 GMT
• 3 min read

Lille striker Jonathan David continues to be a player who is linked with Arsenal, and on Tuesday he will have the opportunity to showcase just what he can bring to the Premier League club.

Lille were surprise winners of Champions League Group G, but instead of being rewarded with a simple tie, they face defending title holders Chelsea.

As the French champions make the short trip across The Channel to Stamford Bridge, David will undoubtedly be the player most in view.

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The Canada international, after all, might have been playing in London. Before electing to move to Lille in the summer of 2020, he had the opportunity to join Arsenal.

A slow start to life in France might have had him questioning his decision, but he came good in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign and has been one of their shining lights thus far in the present campaign.

"I put pressure on myself but at first it didn't work," he admitted to Telefoot.

The 22-year-old has 16 goals in all competitions for Lille, including one in each of his last three Champions League matches, and has starred as Canada have charged to the brink of the World Cup finals. It has been a banner year for David.

David wants Premier League move

Life has been tougher in 2022, with his Lille form not aided by January’s international break and likely further Arsenal speculation during the transfer window, but there are few now who doubt that he will come good once again.

David will be pushing for a move at the end of the season, and he knows that Tuesday’s game is a valuable opportunity to impress against opposition of the highest order. Star in ether one of these upcoming matches with Chelsea, and a move to Arsenal or some other European giant will be virtually guaranteed.

“The Premier League? Obviously it’s attractive, it’s the most competitive league in the world,” he told Telefoot.

Just in case Arsenal did not get that hint, a goal or two against Chelsea would certainly attract their notice.