Real Madrid 'set their sights on Lille's Jonathan David'

Real Madrid are reportedly keen to bring Lille forward Jonathan David to Bernabeu next summer.

The 22-year-old has been in excellent form for his French club during the 2022-23 campaign, finding the back of the net on nine occasions in 11 Ligue 1 appearances, in addition to contributing two assists.

Since arriving at Lille from Gent in 2020, the striker has scored 41 goals and registered seven assists in 107 appearances, with his form leading to a host of transfer speculation.

Manchester United and Arsenal were among the clubs to be linked with the attacker over the recent transfer window, but the deadline passed with him still at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Lille have David on a contract until the summer of 2025, but they could struggle to keep hold of him next summer if he continues to find the back of the net on a regular basis throughout the campaign.

© Reuters

The striker also has an impressive scoring record for Canada, netting 20 times in 30 appearances for his national team, who will be present at the 2022 World Cup.

Canada will open their tournament against Belgium on November 23 before also taking on Croatia and Morocco in the group stage of the competition, with David set to be a key player for the Reds.

According to TodoFichajes, Real Madrid are looking to bring David to Bernabeu next summer, with the reigning Spanish and European champions viewing him as the ideal acquisition.

The report claims that offers in the region of €60m (£51.7m) are likely to be seriously considered by Lille, with the French outfit prepared to cash in on him at the end of the campaign.

Real Madrid have allegedly ruled out a move for Kylian Mbappe next year despite claims that the France international is determined to leave Paris Saint-Germain.

© Reuters

Karim Benzema is set to sign a new deal with Los Blancos until the summer of 2024, but Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently short of options at centre-forward.

Mariano Diaz has only played five minutes of league football for Real Madrid this term, and the 29-year-old is likely to leave Bernabeu on a free transfer next year.

Eden Hazard and Rodrygo have also played through the middle for Los Blancos during the 2022-23 campaign, but Ancelotti is said to want genuine competition for Benzema at centre-forward.

Real Madrid booked their spot in the last-16 stage of the Champions League last week courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk before beating Barcelona 3-1 in El Clasico on Sunday afternoon.