Chelsea identify Man Utd target as Osimhen alternative

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Lille striker Jonathan David, according to reports in France.

The Canada international is wanted by both Manchester United and Aston Villa, as revealed by FootballTransfers, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side are also monitoring his progress in Ligue 1.

David, 24, has scored six goals and provided one assist in 19 league games so far this season (16 starts), and he has been heavily linked with a Premier League move over the past year.

Those rumours could well come to fruition in 2024 as the Canadian has just 18 months left on his current Lille contract and will therefore be able to negotiate a Bosman move this time next year.

As a result, a summer transfer may be on the cards and Chelsea are aware that David could become available.

The Blues are now monitoring the 24-year-old, according to Telefoot, as they ponder making a move to sign him.

Nicolas Jackson is currently Chelsea’s first-choice striker, but the Blues want to sign Victor Osimhen this summer, meaning a pursuit of David may only happen if Napoli deny Chelsea’s approaches for Osimhen.

Armando Broja is also on Chelsea’s books, however the Albanian is wanted by both West Ham and Wolves, and has been linked with an exit this year. Despite this, Pochettino’s recent comments suggest that Broja could well have a future at Stamford Bridge.

Would Jonathan David be a good signing for Chelsea?

While David enjoyed a prolific 2022-23 season, his form this year has dipped and he hasn’t justified a big-money move to Chelsea.

Jackson is a more exciting prospect and is arguably a better player right now too, while any pursuit of David could harm Chelsea’s chances of signing Osimhen in the summer.

His current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €44.8 million and the Blues simply shouldn’t spend that much on a player who isn’t an upgrade on their current forward options.