Lille boss Paulo Fonseca admits it will be difficult to keep Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target Jonathan David

Lille boss Paulo Fonseca has admitted it will be difficult to keep hold of Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target Jonathan David next year.

David has become one of the best young strikers in Europe and is widely targeted by many clubs across the continent after impressive performances for the French club.

Over the years he has attracted interest from clubs like Manchester United and Milan, but it is Arsenal and Chelsea who seem most likely to move.

Now Fonseca has spoken about it and admits it’s hard to see David being a Lille player coming next season with the much sought-after striker qualities.

“It will be difficult to keep Jonathan David at the club next season. There aren’t many strikers with his skills and numbers in Europe…he’s only 22,” Fonseca told La Voix des Sports.

“I think the top clubs in Europe will try to sign Jonathan David,” he added, admitting there could be a transfer war in order to clinch his signature.

David joined Lille in 2020 from Belgian club Ghent, with whom he started his professional career after playing in his home country Canada before.

In his time at Lille, he scored 41 goals in 111 appearances and his side won Ligue 1 in 2021, ahead of riches Paris Saint-Germain.

He is also a Canada international in his own right and was part of the squad that traveled to Qatar for the World Cup this year, with an international record of 22 goals in 38 appearances.

David is known for his versatility in attack, being able to play in a variety of roles and even behind the striker, where he takes on a more creative role.

As a result, Chelsea and Arsenal, who need a striker for their squad, have been monitoring his progress in hopes of a move.