Why Jonathan David would be an excellent signing for Arsenal
According to Belgian newspaper HLN (h/t Daily Express), Arsenal have contacted Gent over the availability of their in-form star Jonathan David.
The versatile attacking midfielder has been an instant hit since arriving at the Belgian top-division side from Ottawa in 2018. David is finished as the joint top-scorer in the Belgian league alongside Antwerp forward Dieumerci Mbokani, with 18 goals to his name.
He is also his side’s top-assist provider in the league with eight assists from 27 league games. The 20-year-old’s excellent attacking game has made him a key player within the side in such short notice.
His top-form in front of the goal has also been crucial to Gent’s rise to second place in the league table this season. David has racked up an eye-catching 37 goals and 15 assists from 83 matches across all competitions for Gent, making him one of the brightest young talents in world football.
An attacking midfielder by trade, David is also equally playing across both the flanks and as a centre-forward – something which he has done on numerous occasions for Gent. A proven performer, Gent, however, will not accept anything less than £22.4m for their rising star.
With David turning a lot of heads in Europe with his ever-improving performances on the pitch, Premier League sides such as Arsenal and Manchester United have been tracking his development for months.
David can offer Arsenal creativity in the midfield
Meanwhile, Arsenal have suffered a dip in rankings this season due to the side’s inconsistent displays and are currently a ninth in the league table. Had it not been for the top-form of their skipper and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal would have found themselves even lower down the rankings.
Mikel Arteta’s side have lacked creativity in the midfield, especially due to the poor form of veteran playmaker Mesut Ozil this season. The 31-year-old has started to show signs of ageing and has been a shadow of his past in recent times.
The 2014 World Cup winner with Germany has managed just one goal and two assists in the league this season, raising concerns about his attacking abilities. Apart from Ozil, Arsenal does not have any other established attacking midfielders in their midst, meaning David’s signing, by all means, would be a step in the right direction for the club.
Also, considering the form that he is in, he would help the side climb back to the to top at least next season. Hence, Arsenal should pursue their interest in the goal-scoring midfielder and land him at the Emirates if they wish to better their displays next season.
Read more:
- Why Marc Roca to Arsenal would bolster their midfield
- Why Arsenal should keep hold of Konstantinos Mavropanos
- Forget it Arteta – Arsenal splashing £35m for Said Benrahma would be a waste
Verdict
Arsenal are in dire need of a young playmaker and who better than David, who also has a keen eye for goal. Moreover, he is just 20 and can go on to become a world-class player under the guidance of Arteta. His versatility would also come as an added benefit for Arsenal. Hence, they should try and recruit the Canadian star this summer.
