Jonathan David to Chelsea transfer latest – 'Talks opened', Eden Hazard claim, Arsenal interest

Jonathan David has recently emerged as a target for Chelsea. The 24-year-old striker has suddenly been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge following an impressive campaign for Lille in the French top flight.

He featured 34 times in Ligue 1 last season, scoring 19 goals and providing four assists. Playing a key role in Paulo Fonseca's side, David helped Les Dogues finish fourth and achieve Europa League qualification.

With his contract at Stade Pierre-Mauroy set to expire next year, the Canada international faces an increasingly uncertain future. So, with that being said, football.london have rounded up everything you need to know about David and his future at Lille.

Chelsea open talks

Chelsea have started talks with David's representatives over a possible move to Stamford Bridge this summer, football.london understands. It's believed that the striker is eager to leave Lille after four years at the club.

The Blues are in the market for another centre-forward to provide competition and support for Nicolas Jackson, who was the only natural frontman for large parts of last season. football.london understands that there are several names on Chelsea's radar, and David is now being strongly considered.

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Talks have taken place with the Canadian's entourage to see if he would be interested in moving to west London. However, nothing has been decided yet as Enzo Maresca explores his options ahead of pre-season.

Lille make David statement

Earlier this month, the Lille president revealed that the club are open to selling Jonathan David this summer. Olivier Letang said: "We have two players who have an exit voucher with Leny [Yoro] and Jonathan [David]."

David names his idol

After breaking Eden Hazard's record of 52 goals for Lille in Ligue 1, with a hat-trick against Lyon, David said: "I've admired Eden Hazard for a long time, to break his record is a bit surreal for me.

"I am thankful to my teammates, the supporters, our coaching staff for their support and encouragement. The furthest I can see for the moment is the next game and helping Lille get back into the top four.

"Saturday mornings growing up in Canada were about the Premier League and LaLiga. Premier League and LaLiga are every kid's dream."

David reveals Premier League dream

Speaking to La Voix du Nord in September 2023, David admitted a move to the Premier League remains 'very possible'. He said: "I don't know, I think it's possible, very possible. I don't know if I can find myself anywhere other than the Premier League.

"It could well be the Premier League. It's a very nice atmosphere. In England, when I watch the matches, everything is full each time. As a player, it motivates you even more."

Henry scouting report

Speaking on CBS Sports in 2023, Thierry Henry heaped praise on David. The Arsenal legend said: "When you have a player like Jonathan David, who runs the way he does, in behind. His directness. Don’t ask him to come to play or assist because he has none this season.

"If he sees the centre-back dropping, then he will go in behind. But as soon as he sees there is a gap, he will run and he is also pretty strong too and he loves contacts."

'Killer instinct'

Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Canada manager dived deeper into what makes David such a special striker. Speaking to talkSPORT, John Herdman said: "Jonathan is one of those silent assassins. He’s very clued up tactically and that’s what I really enjoy about Jonathan, he really wants to get into the details of the game and understand the pressing tactics.

"The forwards at times want to understand other elements, he knows he’s going to lead that defensive line and will get into the details of that with you. For him, he’s a quiet player around the environment and a quiet presence and has this killer instinct.

"Tactically very organised and very aware, but with that instinct to be able to ghost into a penalty area and do what he does best and that is score. To have a player of that quality who can take that moment, it really makes a difference. One who does the work excites me and I know the players really respect that."

Arsenal interest

Arsenal held meetings with David's representatives back in December 2021, football.london understands, but a move to the Emirates Stadium failed to materialise. Mikel Arteta proceeded to sign Gabriel Jesus instead, luring the Brazilian from Manchester City in July 2022.

How David slots into Maresca's plans...

In an interview with Soccer Bible in 2021, David said: "To be honest, I'm not really looking to be the headline player. I'm a striker, so my job is to score goals. And, as everyone knows, attackers usually get the glory.

"But in my positioning and in my movement, I'm thinking about what's going to help the team, not just to make myself a hero. Of course I want to have good stats but that is not the starting point."