Chelsea join Man Utd in Jonathan David race - Ornstein

Updated: 23 Jun 2024 16:46 BST
4 min read

Jonathan David, Lille, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea have opened talks with Jonathan David over a summer transfer, according to David Ornstein.

The Blues are in the market for a striker. Though they are generally happy with Nicolas Jackson and believe that Christopher Nkunku will hit double figures next term, Chelsea are looking to bolster their attack with a proven, clinical centre-forward.

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After ending their months-long pursuit of Victor Osimhen due to concerns over his age and injury record, Chelsea have been sounding out the market in their search for an affordable but useful option.

A few names have since cropped up. Benjamin Sesko has snubbed the Blues and other Premier League suitors, while Chelsea have hit the breaks on their pursuit of Aston Villa's Jhon Duran over the past week, instead focusing on his teammate Omari Kellyman.

Kellyman, however, is unlikely to slot straight into Enzo Maresca's first team and the Blues are looking at more senior options.

Chelsea make David contact

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea's search has now led them to Lille. The journalist reports that the west London giants have made contact with the camp of Jonathan David regarding a potential summer move.

The Canadian had a slow start to the bygone season, but ultimately found his shooting boots and finished the campaign with 26 goals and nine assists to his name. Lille president Olivier Letang confirmed last week that David will be allowed to leave this summer due to having just a year left on his contract.

Chelsea are yet to start club-to-club talks with Lille, but it is thought that it shouldn't be difficult to strike a deal should they get serious about their interest. Due to BlueCo owning fellow Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, it is thought that they have a good relationship with Letang.

Due to David's contract situation, he likely won't be as exorbitantly expensive as other options and this has also put him on the radar of other clubs such as Man Utd and Napoli. Just a few days ago, it was revealed that Man Utd had opened talks with David's representatives.