Chelsea MISS OUT on Jackson replacement as 'advanced talks' confirmed

Cameron Smith

Updated: 7 Feb 2025 06:18 CST
3 min read

Lille forward Jonathan David is in “advanced talks” to join Barcelona on a free transfer this summer, despite reported interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.

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The Canada international is set to become a free agent in July and he has been tipped to join a number of European giants on a Bosman deal.

However, Barcelona have now emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign him as Hansi Flick aims to purchase a long-term heir to Robert Lewandowski.

Spanish media have touted both Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres as potential transfer targets for the Blaugrana, but the Camp Nou outfit are now in “advanced talks” to sign David, according to TBR Football.

Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have all reportedly been in contact with the 25-year-old’s representatives over the past few months, but he is on course to secure a “dream” move to Barcelona this summer.

David joined Lille from KAA Gent for €27 million in August 2020 and he has scored 104 goals in 217 games for the Ligue 1 side, including 20 so far this season.

If his proposed move to Barcelona goes through, the Canadian will add much-needed depth to Barcelona’s forward line, with the aforementioned Lewandowski forced to start 20 of the club’s 22 La Liga matches so far this campaign following the summer departure of Vitor Roque.

© IMAGO - Jonathan David is reportedly set to join Barcelona

Chelsea miss out on Jonathan David

Despite interest in David, Chelsea are set to miss out on the Canada international and will be forced to look elsewhere in their bid to sign a new striker.

Nicolas Jackson has failed to score in each of his last eight Premier League appearances and Enzo Maresca’s side have been linked with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko, Liam Delap and Jean-Philippe Mateta in recent weeks.