‘Around £51m’: Journalist claims club now ‘expect to sell’ striker admired by Chelsea

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Lille now expect to sell Jonathan David this summer – a player who Chelsea seem to appreciate very much.

That is according to Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports.

So, what are the details involving Jonathan David and Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well – according to Simon Phillips – Chelsea were monitoring the Canada international at the start of 2023.

A story from Jeunes Footeux adds that Chelsea were also interested in signing David back in 2022.

Now, Jacobs has claimed that Lille expect to sell their No.9 this summer.

The CBS Sports journalist did – however – add that Chelsea are currently pursuing other targets right now, despite David being someone who is firmly on the radar at Stamford Bridge.

Jacobs wrote: “Lille expect to sell Jonathan David this summer. They are looking for around €60m (£51m). David would love a move to the Premier League. Chelsea and Manchester United have other leading targets for now despite looking at David in the past. Same for Arsenal.”

The update on David comes after he enjoyed a superb 2022/23 campaign with Lille.

In 40 appearances across all competitions, the 23-year-old scored 26 goals and also provided four assists.

When asked about the speculation involving interest from Chelsea and Graham Potter back in January, David somewhat poured cold water on the links by admitting he didn’t know who the 48-year-old was.

The Canadian told Capital Football: “It’s flattering when you are praised but personally I don’t know him.”

Who Chelsea could get instead of Jonathan David

By the sounds of it, David is someone Chelsea could bid for if moves for other targets fall through.

We aren’t on the inside regarding recruitment at Stamford Bridge, although it seems Chelsea are prioritising a deal for Nicolas Jackson right now.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein believes Chelsea have agreed a contract with the Senegal international, and will now negotiate with Villarreal over a transfer fee.

It seems Jackson – who has a £29.8m release clause – is the cheaper alternative to Victor Osimhen, who 90min claimed was Mauricio Pochettino’s No.1 striker target this summer.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Chelsea close in on Jackson.