West Ham are “seriously interested” in signing Lille striker Jonathan David as an alternative to Youssef En-Nesyri, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.
It would be a huge surprise if the Hammers didn’t bolster their attacking options before the start of next season, with more firepower needed moving forward.
The Julen Lopetegui era at the London Stadium threatens to be an exciting one, with the Spaniard coming in as a manager with Europa League-winning pedigree, but he will surely see the need to bring in a prolific striker.
Sevilla ace En-Nesyri continues to be linked with a move to West Ham in the summer transfer window, with the Moroccan thought to be keen on heading there, but now a fresh update has emerged.
Taking to X on Tuesday, Plettenberg claimed that both the Hammers and Chelsea are “seriously interested” in completing the signing of Lille star David in the current window:
“Chelsea and West Ham are seriously interested in Jonathan David. #CFC have inquired about the 24 y/o top striker from Lille in recent days. #WHUFC have also gathered information. He’s also on the shortlist of ManUtd. A move to the Premier League is currently the most likely.
“David, on the verge to leave Lille this summer with one year left on his contract. Price valuation at this stage: €20-25m!”
David represents a fantastic alternative to En-Nesyri for West Ham this summer, having already achieved so much in his career, despite still only being 24 years of age.
He has a superb record at international level, scoring 26 goals in 48 caps for Canada, and he also has a tally of 84 strikes in 183 outings for Lille, showing how relentless he is in the final third.
David is three years younger than En-Nesyri, and arguably has a higher long-term ceiling, so if West Ham can strike a deal for him instead of the Sevilla attacker, it could be a better piece of business over time.
Pipping Chelsea to the Canadian’s signature may not be easy, however, due to the wages the Hammers’ London rivals could offer him, but he will hopefully want to be part of a potentially exciting period under Lopetegui.
