The Reds are yet to get a signing over the line this month, while the Gunners have one senior signing on board and another on the way.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal could potentially do with more reinforcements before the window slams shut.
For instance, the Reds could do with a new centre-back and a defensive midfielder as replacements for Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have long been linked with a new No. 9, as the absence of an out-and-out striker arguably cost them crucial points last season.
Now, according to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are readying a late move for a striker said to be on Arsenal’s radar.
Jonathan David of Canada celebrates the victory after the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 quarter-final match between Venezuela and Canada at AT&T S...
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
Liverpool plotting late move for Arsenal target Jonathan David
The player in question is Lille star Jonathan David, who has been linked with a host of clubs over the past few months.
According to CaughtOffside, David is of major interest to new Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
The Reds are expected to offer him a long-term contract of around four to five years, with Lille asking for a transfer fee of £38-43million.
However, Liverpool are said to have strong competition from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Napoli, who all showing a concrete interest in landing the player.
Napoli have reportedly gone as far as to agree personal terms with the striker, offering him a five-year contract with an annual salary of around £2.5million.
However, the Partenopei might struggle to strike a deal with Lille, as they are understood to only be offering around €35 million.
According to CaughtOffside, this could present an opportunity for Arsenal – and presumably Liverpool – to swoop in, with the Gunners ‘indeed in the race at this moment’.
What could David offer Liverpool or Arsenal?
Jonathan David is a prolific striker, with 84 goals and 18 assists to his name from 183 Lille outings, plus 27 goals and 16 assists from 52 caps for Canada.
Indeed, Canadian sports expert Tony Marinaro previously described the reported Liverpool and Arsenal target as “one of the best strikers in the world”.
Steven Caldwell, Canada’s assistant manager between 2019 and 2021, believes David is world-leading in several aspects.
“Very good finisher, but in the red of Canada he’s been a bit hesitant in front of goal,” Caldwell told Harry De Cosemo.
“He’s doing a lot of work off the ball as well, he’s a real team player, Jonathan David. He’s one of the best defensive forwards I’ve ever worked with.
“The cut-off, the easy passes into midfield and things like that are outstanding.
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“He’s a good presser, he understands cues when to press, he’s exceptional at that, as good as anybody in the world, I would say.
“And then the other side of his game is that he’s a stocky-looking guy but he’s quicker than he looks. He can shift when he wants, and for Lille he’s quite prolific.
“Normally, when he’s in front of the goal, he makes it count.”
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