Report: Blues dealt a massive blow in the pursuit of highly-rated Ligue 1 striker

Chelsea set to miss out on Jonathan David following Bayern Munich intervention

Jonathan David has been linked with a Premier League switch for a while now, with both Chelsea and bitter rivals Arsenal believed to be interested in the Lille striker. 

The Blues made Romelu Lukaku’s departure on loan official yesterday, and a big money name is expected to arrive to fill the gap left behind by Chelsea’s botched club-record investment. 

David is an exciting, young striker who has turned the heads of scouts from several top-flight clubs. Moving to Lille from Belgian side Gent in the summer of 2020, David became the most expensive Canadian player of all-time. 

Since then, he has often been the focal point of Lille’s attack – especially under former boss Christophe Galtier, under whom David inspired Lille to a historic Ligue 1 title in his very first season. 

Galtier moved to Nice the following season and Lille failed to scale the heights achieved the year before. David shone regardless, scoring 15 league goals but it could only account for a 10th place finish. 

Lille’s failure to secure Champions League football has led them to be in a precarious position where they may have to sell players to raise funds. 

According to German outlet Bild (h/t football.london), Bayern Munich have identified David as a potential replacement for rebel Robert Lewandowski, who has his heart set on a move to Barcelona. 

David can be a good option for Chelsea to seriously consider

Since moving to Lille, only five players have scored more Ligue 1 goals than David and all of them are older than him.  The 22-year-old’s ability to function both as a lone and a supporting striker makes him a really good option for tactical flexibility, making him a natural fit for Thomas Tuchel’s high-intensity football. 

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However, if Bayern come knocking, it is unlikely that Davids will say no. Not just because of Bayern’s stature in world football, but also the presence of David’s compatriot and close friend Alphonso Davies is likely to play a part. 

However, no official offer is on the table yet and with a long stretch of the window to go, Lille will still have of retaining their coveted asset and push for Champions League qualification under newly-appointed boss Paulo Fonseca.