Arsenal 'HOT' for bargain striker to be Gyokeres backup

Cameron Smith

Updated: 12 May 2025 13:58 BST
3 min read

Arsenal are well placed to sign Sporting CP centre forward Viktor Gyokeres - and they are looking increasingly good to land Jonathan David as the Sweden star's support.

Article continues under the video

Canada international David will leave Lille when his current contract expires in July, and a plethora of clubs across Europe are monitoring his situation as they ponder a potential deal during the 2025 summer transfer window.

Inter have long been considered the frontrunners in the race to land David this summer, although Napoli are set to rival their Serie A competitors for his signature, as per Fabrizio Romano, while a number of Premier League teams are also chasing a move.

In fact, Inter Live claim Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle United and West Ham United are all interested in signing David after his stellar campaign for Lille.

Of those teams, Arsenal are reportedly the “hottest” for David and they are set to pursue a move during the upcoming summer window.

Despite this, FootballTransfers understands that Gyokeres is Andrea Berta’s priority target, following his appointment as Arsenal’s new sporting director, and fresh talks have been scheduled to take place after the Portuguese cup final later this month.

The Gunners, though, are known to be targeting two attackers, and with Ipswich Town's Liam Delap apparently favouring a move to Manchester United, David has emerged as a strong candidate.

Jonathan David to join Arsenal?

Inter Live report that David remains a key target for the Gunners. Whether he joins up at the Emirates Stadium depends on whether he is willing to accept a backup role or if Arsenal's pursuit of Gyokeres hits a roadblock.

The Sweden star is also wanted by Manchester United, and the allure of playing under Ruben Amorim could potentially sway his decision, although Champions League football will be a major factor. Arsenal secured qualification for Europe’s elite club competition on Sunday while the Red Devils must win the Europa League final.

David has scored 25 goals in 48 appearances for Lille so far this season, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €30.9 million.

Football transfer news headlines today

Arteta branded a 'CONTROL FREAK' as Schmeichel makes brutal Arsenal claim

Arsenal put on Declan Rice ALERT as Real Madrid launch transfer bid

Arsenal prepare record-breaking bid for Alexander Isak

Arsenal submit offer for Chelsea wonderkid - Romano

Fabrizio Romano confirms OFFICIAL Arsenal signing

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store