Arsenal transfer blow as Mikel Arteta warned long-term striker target ‘will not leave’ in January

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Arsenal are already turning their attention to the upcoming January transfer window.

Mikel Arteta welcomed five players to the Emirates in the summer however, further change is expected mid-way through the 2024/25 campaign.

As well as eyeing reinforcements to bolster Arsenal’s squad, the Gunners will be hunting a new sporting director following Edu Gaspar’s shock departure.

Before the Brazilian left his post, there was hope that he would deliver something special in the winter market as gaps in the squad’s depth became clear early.

• READ MORE: One transfer Arsenal really need to make in January, and the £265k-a-week star Mikel Arteta must sell

LOSC Lille president shares Jonathan David transfer stance

The profile that fans want to see most in N5 is a reliable striker, with several goalscorers linked to Arsenal already.

Jonathan David was one of the names on Edu’s short-list as the Canadian LOSC Lille striker continues to impress in Ligue 1.

There was some hope that Arsenal could sign David for as little as £16m in January, with reports claiming that the North Londoners, as well as Liverpool, had enquired about the striker.

Such plans have now been derailed however, as Lille president Olivier Letang addressed the club’s transfer stance on the 24-year-old. 

Speaking on After Foot RMC, Letang stated that David ‘will not leave’ the French side in January.

“Jonathan David will not leave in January and he already has an extension offer in his hands so the ball is in his court.”

Not only will Arsenal be unable to sign the striker this winter, but it looks as though the chances of securing him for a cut-price will also drift away with a fresh deal in the works.

How many goals has Jonathan David scored in 2024/25?

It’s a blow for Arsenal, although, the outcome had to be somewhat expected considering the form that David is showing this season.

In 19 appearances for Lille, the forward has found the net 13 times as well as assisting twice, making it clear how valuable he is to his club.

Away from France, the Arsenal target has been making waves for Canada too, contributing to eight international goals in 2024 when leading the line.

For the Gunners, it’s time to cross David off of their list of January targets, with it abundantly clear that Lille will not be letting their talisman depart this winter.