Report: Arsenal now willing to offer free agent wanted by Man United a contract worth £98,000-a-week

Arsenal are well placed to sign an outstanding free agent in 2025 – somebody Manchester United also want.

The Gunners have previously taken advantage of the free agent market in admirable fashion, famously signing Sol Campbell on a free transfer, while Mathieu Flamini also arrived from AC Milan for nothing.

Now, another free agent could join Arsenal in 2025…

Arsenal lead race to sign Jonathan David

A story from Tutto Juve now states that Arsenal are front of the queue to sign Jonathan David on a free transfer in 2025.

The Canada international becomes a free agent when his contract with Lille expires in July 2025 – and the man born in Brooklyn seems to have no intention of signing a new deal, as things stand.

Tutto Juve believe Juventus are also keen to sign the Lille No.9 – but cannot compete against those in the Premier League, who are willing to offer the striker an annual salary of €6m (£5m equating to £97,633-a-week).

David currently earns £36,000-a-week, so his wages would almost treble if he did receive an offer in that region.

The Italian news outlet mention that Arsenal lead the race immediately after making the point about wages, suggesting that the Gunners are ready to offer the 24-year-old a salary of that amount.

However – as things stand, at least – it seems Arsenal are in a much better position to secure his signature ahead of the Red Devils.

Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar should push for an agreement

Whoever signs David will be getting themselves one of the most consistent goalscorers of recent times.

The Canada international impressively scored 26 goals in 47 appearances last season, having also netted 26 goals in 40 games throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

Before that, David, who Chelsea also like, scored 19 goals in 48 outings in the 2021/22 season – while he also has 29 goals in 55 games for Canada – so his record makes for excellent reading.

Furthermore, the prolific striker has also been seen wearing a Thierry Henry Arsenal shirt in the past, so he may well jump at the chance to play for the Gunners.

Hopefully, Arsenal firmly explore this deal, as David would seemingly provide a reliable source of goals for Mikel Arteta.