JUST IN- Tottenham records massive progress towards getting a deal done after being in daily contact with striker considered ideal Harry Kane replacement
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly engaged in ‘daily contact’ with Lille forward Jonathan David as manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to bolster his squad with a recognized goal-scorer ahead of the new season.
It’s been nearly a year since Harry Kane, the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer and England captain, departed from Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich in a multi-million-pound transfer. His departure left a significant void, but Postecoglou’s team demonstrated resilience in their first season without Kane, achieving a commendable fifth place in the Premier League. They finished just two points behind Aston Villa, who secured the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot.
Despite the strong performance, Postecoglou recognizes the need for a prolific striker to enhance the team’s attacking options. This summer, Tottenham has shown a keen interest in Jonathan David, whose impressive performances for Lille have not gone unnoticed. However, the 24-year-old forward is also attracting attention from several other Premier League clubs. Chelsea and West Ham United are among the teams keeping close tabs on David’s situation as the transfer window progresses.
David’s appeal extends beyond the Premier League, with major European clubs also expressing interest. Italian giants Roma are reported to have made contact with the player recently, further complicating Tottenham’s pursuit. According to Football Insider, Postecoglou has made it a priority to sign a centre-forward this summer, particularly given that Richarlison struggled with goal-scoring consistency last season, netting just 11 goals in 28 Premier League appearances.
Recent updates suggest that David is now at the top of Postecoglou’s shortlist of potential signings. Tottenham is reportedly maintaining constant communication with the striker and preparing to make an official bid. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Lille president Olivier Letang has acknowledged that both Jonathan David and Leny Yoro are expected to leave the club this transfer window. Yoro has already completed a transfer to Manchester United in a deal valued at approximately £52 million plus add-ons.
David’s situation is further complicated by the fact that he has just 12 months remaining on his contract with Lille. This impending expiry has made Lille more inclined to sell David this summer to avoid the risk of losing him on a free transfer next year. The French club is reportedly open to letting David leave for a fee in the region of £25 million.
Tottenham’s need for a reliable goal-scorer is underscored by their goal-scoring statistics from last season. Postecoglou’s side managed to score 74 goals in 38 Premier League matches, which was the seventh-highest tally in the league. Club captain Son Heung-min had a stellar season with 17 goals, but the burden of goal-scoring on the South Korean star is considerable. Postecoglou aims to ease this pressure, and David could be an ideal candidate to share the goal-scoring responsibilities.
Since joining Lille from Belgian side Gent in 2020, Jonathan David has been a standout performer, accumulating an impressive 84 goals in 183 appearances for the French club. His form last season was particularly notable, as he scored 26 goals in 47 matches across all competitions, with 19 of those coming in Ligue 1. Additionally, David made a significant impact on the international stage, scoring twice and playing a key role in Canada’s Copa America campaign, helping them reach the semi-finals before being knocked out by Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
With the transfer window in full swing, Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Jonathan David represents a critical step in their efforts to build a squad capable of challenging for top honors. The outcome of this transfer battle could significantly influence the team’s fortunes in the upcoming season.
