Why Man Utd could beat Chelsea to Jonathan David transfer

Suraj Radia

• 23 Jun 2024 11:00 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United could have an opportunity to beat Chelsea to the signing of Jonathan David, with the Blues still deciding which striker target they are ready to commit to.

It was revealed this week that Chelsea have opened talks with David, who is currently at the Copa America with Canada, while United are also believed to be monitoring a move for the striker.

David is understood to be available for a cut-price fee of around €35 million, with Lille president Oliver Letang recently admitting that the Canadian is likely to be sold this summer.

READ MORE: First major Man Utd summer transfer 'nearing completion'

Chelsea have not yet formally approached Lille over a transfer, with David understood to be one of many options being considered including Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion

And Football Insider claim that Atletico are anticipating another bid from Chelsea for Omorodion, having rejected an offer in excess of €40m for the 20-year-old last week.

Atletico are reluctant to sell their wonderkid striker, who scored nine goals on loan at Alaves last season, however the Spaniard is reportedly emerging as a top target for Chelsea, which could allow Man Utd a pathway to sign David from under their rival’s nose.

What is the latest on Chelsea and Man Utd’s striker pursuits?

Both Chelsea and United are looking to add depth to their front line and offer competition to their young forwards in Nicloas Jackson and Rasmus Hojlund respectively.

Despite United’s interest in David, Joshua Zirkzee is thought to be the club’s top target, with the Bologna forward having an appealing release clause of €40m in his contract.

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Chelsea, meanwhile, appear to be considering a move for David as a cheaper alternative to Omorodion and Jhon Duran, despite agreeing personal terms with the Aston Villa striker earlier this month.

STATS

Jonathan David

F (CRL)

Lille

Jonathan David

F (CRL)

Lille

Ligue 1

2023/24

• 34

  Games

• 19

  Goals

• 4

  Assists

View all stats

Villa are under pressure to sell players before the end of the month and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano had previously suggested any deal for Duran would only happen if other players were involved.

But despite Chelsea also being in talks with Villa over signing teenager Omari Kellyman, with Ian Maatsen going the other way in a separate deal, a move for Duran appears to have stalled and bids for Omorodion or David could instead materialise in the coming days.