Barcelona face Arsenal, Man United competition for free-transfer striker target

The sporting management of FC Barcelona is determined to make decisive moves to strengthen several positions of their squad next summer, with the forward position being a key focus.

And, as has already been reported, among the candidates to don the Blaugrana jersey next season is Lille attacker Jonathan David.

The Canadian striker’s contract expires on June 30, and he seems unlikely to renew, despite his club’s strong negotiations in recent weeks.

And, Barcelona have taken a keen interest in the forward’s situation as they consider adding him to the roster next summer on a free transfer.

Barcelona face stiff competition

However, according to a report from SPORT, Barcelona are set to face stiff competition in the race to sign Jonathan David as big Premier League sides like Arsenal and Manchester United are also interested.

The likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also monitoring the 24-year-old Canadian international.

Meanwhile, from Italy, Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter have similarly expressed interest in his situation.

David is a powerful player capable of operating in various attacking roles, although he excels as a central striker. He represents a significant market opportunity this summer, which makes the interest from numerous clubs understandable.

Contacts have been ongoing for some time, and David’s recent performance – scoring the only goal in Lille’s match against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, converting a penalty – has further heightened his profile in the transfer market.

As such, Barcelona will have their task cut out if they intend to go after David’s signing in the summer of 2025.

The Blaugrana have total faith in Robert Lewandowski and plan on counting on him next season despite his advancing years.

However, signing a player like David, that too for free, would be too good an opportunity to let slip.