Newcastle join Arsenal in Jonathan David transfer race but face fierce competition for Lille striker

NEWCASTLE have joined the race to sign Lille striker Jonathan David in the summer, according to reports.

The 22-year-old Canadian international has been superb for the French champions since arriving from Gent in 2020.

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He has scored 29 goals in 82 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit - including 16 times already so far this season.

David has also been pivotal in Canada's World Cup qualification campaign as the nation sit top of the CONCACAF standings ahead of the USA and Mexico with seven wins from 11.

Yet despite his superb form for Lille, his agent has already confirmed he will leave in the summer - even though his contract runs until 2025.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the Brooklyn-born forward - particularly since they missed out on Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus.

And the Gunners' London rivals Chelsea are also in the hat as potential suitors for David.

However, according to , Newcastle have now thrown their hat in the ring.

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The report states that the Magpies are in talks to sign him at the end of the season.

But it is set to cost them a hefty fee if they are to secure his signature - with Lille wanting in the region of £50million.

The price tag was the reason behind AC Milan and Inter Milan opting out of any negotiations.

In addition to the up front fee, bonuses are also expected to be included within any potential deal.

So David will set Newcastle back a pretty penny, although they may not be concerned about that following the £300m Saudi takeover last year.

Speaking previously about David's future at Lille, agent Nick Mavromaras told Radio Canada's Tellement Soccer podcast: "For us, the objective is to finish the season in Lille, but it will be his last season there for several reason.

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"I think the Premier League is a great option for him. I think he likes Spain a lot too because he likes the feel of the ball and the very technical players.

"These two leagues are a big priority for him, but we are not ruling anything out.

"You never know with Paris Saint-Germain or the big Italian clubs."

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