Chelsea have reportedly held talks over a cut-price move for Lille striker Jonathan David.
Enzo Maresca's side are in the market for a new forward to rival Nicolas Jackson to be Chelsea's first-choice number nine. David has been prolific in Ligue 1 for several years, prompting plenty of interest from Premier League clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur were previously linked with a move for the Canada international, with reports suggesting that former manager Antonio Conte viewed the 24-year-old as a possible successor to Harry Kane, before the Italian coach left in early 2023.
However, when Kane made his move to Bayern Munich, Spurs chose not to directly replace him, instead bringing in winger Brennan Johnson. Chelsea could now swoop in and capitalise on that decision with a bargain deal for David this summer.
It has been reported that Chelsea are seriously weighing up a move for Lille's star striker. Sky Sport in Germany has reported that the west London club have made inquiries about the 24-year-old, who is also believed to be on West Ham and Manchester United's wish list.
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David's hefty £51million price tag last summer seemingly deterred Spurs but he is expected to be available for a much lower fee. With the striker entering the final year of his contract, Lille are reportedly willing to accept between £17 and £21million (€20-25million).
Chelsea will be thrilled with the new asking price as they look to strengthen their forward options, despite Jackson scoring 14 league goals in his debut campaign. David featured in every Ligue 1 match this season, scoring 19 goals as he helped steer Lille to Champions League qualification and proved why Conte was reportedly interested in the striker.
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Lille and Canada striker Jonathan David has been linked with Chelsea (Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)Spurs are also searching for a new striker this summer and David is believed to still be on the club's wishlist. The Canada international is currently competing at Copa America and will hope to add to the 26 goals he scored for Lille in all competitions.
The striker's form this season highlights why he would be a target for Chelsea and Spurs, who both missed out on their aim of a top-four place last term. It remains to be seen how Chelsea will fare under Maresca but there appeared to be green shoots in the final months of Mauricio Pochettino's reign.
Meanwhile, Spurs are focused on bringing in a new number nine after narrowly falling short of a top-four finish. Son Heung-min was predominantly used in the central role, scoring 17 league goals, but Ange Postecoglou's side struggled for positive results when the captain was used as a striker, earning 36 points from 23 games.
Nearly a year after Kane's departure, David's probable exit from Lille serves as a stark reminder that Spurs have a major issue to address this summer. However, Chelsea will hope to spoil their rival's plans by snapping up David at a bargain price.
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