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Manchester United appear to be losing their grip on transfer target Jonathan David as interest from a European rival continues to intensify.
The Lille striker has been linked with a move to Man United for quite some time, with the club reportedly making contact with David in April.
Still, even as United signal their intention, the battle to sign David was destined to be anything but easy.
Napoli reportedly engaged in talks to sign the striker, threatening to derail United’s efforts.
But while there has been no update on whether those talks have advanced, Inter Milan also signalled their interest.
This morning, Corriere dello Sport provided a fresh update, suggesting that the Italian interest in David is only intensifying.
“Suddenly, taking advantage of other people’s second thoughts or, much more simply, of sudden but decisive changes in strategy, Juventus found themselves in pole position for Jonathan David,” the report claimed.
“The now former technical director Giuntoli had sniffed out the deal since last autumn, also taking advantage of the close encounter at the Pierre Mauroy, on November 4 (Lille-Juve 1-1, goal by David himself), to advance a wild courtship and then be able to claim it as a credit when the striker, as a free agent, would have had to choose his new destination,” the article continued, suggesting that a deal has long been in the making.
Given his status as a free agent, David seemed like a logical target for United, especially from a financial perspective.
But even as the competition for David’s signature heats up, United at least know that there are alternatives at their disposal should the Lille star select another club.
United have already secured the signing of Matheus Cunha, a versatile forward capable of playing anywhere in manager Ruben Amorim’s front three.
What’s more, United have reportedly submitted a £45 million opening offer for Bryan Mbeumo, who is another standout star from the past Premier League season.
With 16 goals and a neat 22% goal conversion in Ligue 1, David certainly provides the attacking consistency that would make him a fine fit as United’s next starting striker. What makes him even more appealing is his proven experience at the summit of European football, scoring seven goals in 10 UEFA Champions League games last season. (Stats via Sofascore)
Still, with some impactful signings in the works, including names such as Jean-Phillipe Mateta, Victor Osimhen, and Viktor Gyokeres, United should not lose too much sleep over David, should he be headed elsewhere.
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