Jonathan David scored 23 goals in all competitions this season. (Getty Images)
According to Jeunes Footeux (h/t The Sun), Everton are among a host of clubs tracking the progress of Gent starlet Jonathan David ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Canada international, 20, has enjoyed a fantastic season with Belgian club Gent, plundering 21 goals and recording 10 assists from 35 games. The young gun, who has also hit an impressive 11 goals in 12 caps for his country, has also attracted interest from clubs such as Leicester City, Arsenal and RB Leipzig, as well as Italian duo Napoli and Lazio, Jeunes Footeux (h/t The Sun) claims.
The report (h/t The Sun) adds Lyon were considering a move for Jonathan David in January and are set to rekindle their interest to sign him in the summer. However, Everton must do everything in their powers to sign the 20-year-old Canadian from Gent.
The Toffees have significantly improved under Carlo Ancelotti and are currently ninth in the table, only five points below fourth-placed Chelsea. When Ancelotti replaced Marco Silva in December, Everton were flirting with relegation. The club’s current position simply suggests the improvement they’ve had since Ancelotti arrived in Merseyside.
Richarlison has been Everton’s best player this season and has been ably supported by Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front, with the duo scoring 9 and 11 goals respectively. Yet, Everton have managed only 34 goals in 26 games so far, with summer signing Moise Kean failing to light up the Goodison Park.
While Kean must be given the time to adapt fully to the demands of Premier League football, Ancelotti must not ignore reinforcing his forward department in the summer, especially after allowing Cenk Tosun to leave on loan to Crystal Palace in January. Hence, the Merseysiders must plot a summer swoop for Jonathan David.
David is playing for Gent like a man in form and would add more goals to a blunt Everton attack next season, given his goalscoring record this term. He’s also scored four times in 11 Europa League games, which is an impressive return for a 20-year-old. The fact is that he has made 31 goal contributions already for Gent and since he isn’t a natural centre-forward, this adds more value to the Canadian’s name.
Due to David’s flexibility to play in different positions across the front-line, Ancelotti could use him anywhere as per the game’s requirements. The Canadian international is in red-hot form and there are chances of him establishing himself at a higher level under the guidance of Ancelotti. Hence, Everton must secure David’s services in the summer.
