Arsenal and Chelsea alerted to 'cheeky' Jonathan David transfer bid after Liverpool audition

Jonathan David could be available for a cut-price fee in the final days of the January transfer window. The 25-year-old striker has been heavily linked with numerous Premier League clubs already this month following his impressive performances for Lille in the French top-flight.

David, who sees his contract at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy expire in June 2025, has featured 18 times so far in Ligue 1 this campaign, scoring 11 goals and also providing two assists. Playing a key role in Bruno Génésio's side, the Canada international has helped Les Dogues climb to fifth in the table.

His eye-catching displays haven't gone unnoticed, reportedly attracting interest from some top clubs that are in the market for a bargain. Since the start of the new year, clubs based outside France have been able to open pre-contract talks with David over a free transfer at the end of the season.

If the Canadian doesn't pen an extension soon then Lille will be forced to make a tough decision. Over the coming days, the French giants must weigh up whether they'd rather risk losing David for free - or cut their losses and cash in before February 3 comes and goes.

According to Chronicle Live, an unnamed Premier League has recently had a "cheeky bid" worth £10million swiftly turned down. The report states that Lille have been "approached" by teams who want to wrap up a proposed deal for the striker before Monday evening’s deadline.

Given that Lille could rake in £40million in prize money for qualifying for the Champions League this term, it's said that the French club value David's time on the pitch more so than a cut-price fee in January. Speaking to reporters in November, Olivier Letang vocalised Lille's decision.

"We're not going to sell him in January and we have not received any offer for him," said the Lille chief. "Jonathan's situation is super simple. We are very happy to have you with us.

"Last off-season, he had one year left [to run] on his contract.

"We could qualify for the Champions League. When you have a guy who scores 20-25 goals a season. We had no obligation to sell him. He is a player who scores between 20 and 25 goals and qualifies for the Champions League.

"Plus, Jonathan loves Lille which is his club. Our position was very clear from the beginning, we think of the player. Obviously, he already has an offer that is in his hands, the ball is in his court."

With David yet to take up Lille's offer, he's been heavily linked with a switch to the Premier League. According to the Chronicle Live - as per other reports earlier this month - Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all interested in signing the Canadian.

That said, it remains unknown which English top-flight club tabled the bid for David, who netted against Liverpool in the Champions League just last week. Arsenal and Chelsea could possibly save millions by signing the £38million-rated frontman this month, while also stifling the plans of their rivals.

Speaking to La Voix du Nord in September 2023, David admitted a move to the Premier League remains "very possible" in the future. He said: "I don't know, I think it's possible, very possible. I don't know if I can find myself anywhere other than the Premier League.

"It could well be the Premier League. It's a very nice atmosphere. In England, when I watch the matches, everything is full each time. As a player, it motivates you even more."

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