Arsenal are the front runners to sign Jonathan David from Ligue 1 side Lille this summer, according to a report.

SEVILLE, SPAIN: Jonathan David of Lille OSC scores their team's first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League group G match between Sevilla FC and Lille OSC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on November 02, 2021. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN: Jonathan David of Lille OSC scores their team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League group G match between Sevilla FC and Lille OSC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on November 02, 2021. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Defensa Central report that Arsenal appear to be the team leading the race to sign Jonathan David as it stands, though Real Madrid are also one of the options for the forward.

The same outlet suggests Arsenal are expected to make a strong move for the 22-year-old in the summer.

Football.London recently reported that David is one of the centre-forward options Arsenal are looking at ahead of the summer transfer window, along with the more widely reported names like Alexander Isak and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Like Defensa Central, Calciomercato claim Arsenal are ‘ahead in discussions’ for the young forward, with the Ligue 1 side said to be very happy at the thought of cashing in on him.

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Speaking to Radio Canada in January, David’s agent Nick Mavromaras said the player will finish the current campaign with Lille, but he’s on the way out after that.

“For us, the goal is to finish the season with Lille, but this will be his last season there for several reasons,” Mavromaras said.

“I think the Premier League is a great option for him. I think he likes Spain a lot too.

“These two leagues are the main priorities for him, but nothing is being ruled out.

“You never know with Paris Saint-Germain or the big Italian clubs. It’s normal that all these big clubs are interested in the top scorer in Ligue 1, but I can tell you that, today, there’s no official offer.”

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JUNE 23: Jonathan David #20 of Canada takes a shot on goal as Alejandro Portal #8 of Cuba defends during the second half of their Group A 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup match at Bank of America Stadium on June 23, 2019, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Canada won 7-0. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: Jonathan David #20 of Canada takes a shot on goal as Alejandro Portal #8 of Cuba defends during the second half of their Group A 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup match at Bank of America Stadium on June 23, 2019. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The Evening Standard previously reported that Arsenal are scouting a number of different options up front, with David on their shortlist.

Goal claim Arsenal are long-term admirers of David, and mention Arsenal’s strong relationship with the French club, following the deals for Gabriel Magalhaes and Nicolas Pepe.

David has scored 16 goals so far this season, since his move to France last year. Though he’s on a bit of a drought at the moment, with no club goals since his final game in 2021.

The Canadian international has been consistently prolific for his country at least, scoring 20 and assisting 11 in his 27 international appearances. He scored or assisted in each of the three World Cup qualifiers over the January break.

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