Former Premier League manager hints that Arsenal would be the perfect destination for 25-goal free agent

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One striker target is showing all the signs of being the perfect acquisition for Arsenal this summer.

After failing to win silverware for the third season in a row, there’s even greater emphasis on the need for a strong summer on the transfer front.

Arsenal are overjoyed by the hire of Andrea Berta as the Gunners’ new sporting director, with the Italian given a tremendous task to sufficiently replenish Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Shortly after Berta’s arrival, Arsenal’s links to Viktor Gyokeres grew; however, the Sporting CP superstar isn’t the only number nine on the transfer list.

• READ MORE: 2025 Summer transfer window rules every Arsenal fan needs to know, including huge opening date changes

Arsenal could be perfect for Jonathan David

Berta likes Gyokeres as a target, just as he does Jonathan David, who has been linked to Arsenal.

It’s understood that Arsenal have made contact with David over a possible summer transfer, with the Canadian posing an attractive proposition to the North Londoners due to him being a free agent.

David will leave LOSC Lille in the summer at the expiration of his contract, giving Arsenal and other clubs the chance to sign the striker for free.

While the forward, who scored 25 goals over the 2024/25 campaign for Lille, is a figure who is turning heads in N5, it could also be said that Arsenal could be catching his eye. 

In an interview with L’Equipe, Canada national team coach Jesse Marsch shared his verdict on the type of club David could be looking at in the summer. 

“I spoke with his agent on Tuesday, and I’ll speak with Jonathan this week. He’s on a one-week holiday – well deserved, considering how many matches he’s played and the performances he’s put in.

“Knowing Johnny, he’ll want to play. He’ll want to be at the best club possible and fight for trophies in Europe – but he’ll also want to be on the pitch. That’s the most important thing.”

Marsch’s description of the perfect club for David makes a possible move to Arsenal interesting, with the Gunners having the means to fit the bill.

“It wouldn’t be good for him to go somewhere and just sit on the bench,” the former Leeds United manager continued.

“Without minutes to stay sharp. Especially not with the World Cup in a year. I trust that he and his team will find the right solution – and I’m confident they’ll make the right decision.”

David presents a promising market opportunity 

Marsch suspects that David wants to join a club competing for silverware, but most importantly, a club that can give him the opportunity to play.

Arsenal desperately need a striker to bolster Arteta’s front line, with the person who fills such void set to be well-supported by those who will be overjoyed by his arrival. 

For this reason, Arsenal could be the ideal club for David, but for the Gunners, there must be a thought about whether to place all trust in the 25-year-old.

Though the Canadian has consistently scored throughout his senior career, David has yet to experience the challenges of the Premier League, which is a stumbling block for so many.

Given how Arsenal need instant success from the number nine they welcome, it would be naive for the Gunners to place all their eggs in one basket with a target such as David.

It remains to be seen just how interested Berta is in the Lille star, who, as a free signing, could be one option to strengthen in attack.