Inter Milan have reportedly emerged as leading contenders to sign Lille forward Jonathan David this summer.
The Canada international's contract with Lille is due to expire at the end of June, and there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future, with a number of clubs said to be in the running for his signature.
Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are among the teams said to be keen on David, while Newcastle United and West Ham United are also believed to be positioning themselves in the running.
However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are now in a strong position to sign the striker, with the Italian giants recently meeting with David's representatives to discuss the prospect of a move.
The report claims that Inter are willing to pay David €10m (£8.7m) a season for the next five years, while he would also be in line for a substantial signing bonus considering that he is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.
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Inter 'in a strong position' to sign Lille forward David
David has been in excellent form for Lille during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 23 goals and registering 10 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions, including nine goals and four assists in 14 Champions League outings.
In total, the Canadian has 107 goals and 28 assists in 226 appearances for Lille, and he is set to be one of the standout free agents available this summer, with a new contract at his Ligue 1 club looking almost impossible at this stage.
There has been no actual confirmation regarding an exit this summer, but the forward recently dropped a major hint that his future is away from Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
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David recently said that he will be "free at the end of the season"
"Yes, I will be free at the end of the season. And as for my future, I hope to grow, to become a better player, and to play for the biggest clubs in the world, if I can," David told Onze Mondial.
"But first of all, I just want to have fun, never forget that football is fun. I started playing football because I had fun. And even though it has now become my job, you have to remember that I wake up every morning for football, for the pleasure of playing.
"Do you want any clues about my future? You will all know, in due time, that is at the end of the season. I will not comment before then.
"First of all, I want to finish this season well, the end looks exciting and I want to play well and help the team. And when the season is over, the decision will be made and announced."
David is believed to be determined to secure a move to Barcelona, but the Catalan outfit have allegedly cooled their interest despite the fact that the club are looking for a long-term Robert Lewandowski replacement.
Matt Law
