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Chelsea’s summer transfer window attacking shortlist revealed

By Gabe Henderson

Lille's Canadian forward Jonathan David (L) fights for the ball with Chelsea's French midfielder N'Golo Kante during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Lille (LOSC) and Chelsea FC at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on March 16, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Lille's Canadian forward Jonathan David (L) fights for the ball with Chelsea's French midfielder N'Golo Kante during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Lille (LOSC) and Chelsea FC at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on March 16, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Lille’s Canadian forward Jonathan David (L) fights for the ball with Chelsea’s French midfielder N’Golo Kante during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Lille (LOSC) and Chelsea FC at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, northern France, on March 16, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Lille’s Canadian forward Jonathan David (L) fights for the ball with Chelsea’s French midfielder N’Golo Kante during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Lille (LOSC) and Chelsea FC at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, northern France, on March 16, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) /

Jonathan David

One of the most well-traveled youngsters in world football kicks off the list of the Blues’ desired attacking additions. Jonathan David was born in Brooklyn, New York before his family moved to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, when he was just a couple of months old. A few years later, the Davids settled down in Ottawa. He has now called Canada his home—even if he is away from home during football season—for 16 years, and he represents the country at the international level.

David’s career began at the youth ranks in the North American nation before he took his talents to Belgium at the age of 18. He burst onto the scene in 2018 at Gent. The young forward’s prolific return during his early years in professional football earned him a move to Ligue 1 after two years in the Jupiler Pro League. He joined Lille for around €30 million, leaving Belgium with a return of 37 goals and 15 assists across 83 matches.

The Canadian international led the line for Les Dogues in 37 league matches in his debut season. His 13 goals and three assists went on to play a huge role in Lille besting Paris Saint-Germain by one point for its first Ligue 1 title in a decade. David went on to score one of the two title-clinching goals against Angers. It was an eventful first season in the red, navy and white of the legendary French club for the youngster, who made quite the name for himself.

Just one year removed from bursting onto the scene, David has become a household name for his incredible goalscoring record for both club and country. In addition to helping Canada qualify for its first FIFA World Cup since 1986, David has become one of Europe’s most sought after strikers ahead of this summer’s transfer window. While Lille’s performance has dropped, the 22-year-old has only built on the show he put on in his first season.

David has found the back of the net 19 times across 48 games in all competitions this season, an improvement from his first full campaign in the French top flight. He’s become a transfer target for massive clubs around Europe, such as Chelsea and Manchester United. The forward’s raw talent and versatility are two of the biggest selling points for interested parties. David played over 20 games this season both as a lone forward and a second striker.  It’s this flexibility that has Tuchel licking his lips as he continues to create a tactical gameplan for next season.

The Lille No. 9 may not be the biggest name on the market, nor is he the most talented. However, the exciting prospect is a very good finisher whose ceiling is sky high. David’s transfer value also currently sits around the £40 million mark, so a move for the Canadian wouldn’t break the bank either. If the Blues are going to bring in any new striker though, they need to first sort out how they will create chances for these established goalscorers.

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