Barcelona face fresh competition from Bayern Munich in race to sign 24-year-old star: Reports
Bayern Munich are ready to lock horns with Barcelona for the services of Jonathan David, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Canadian striker is in the final year of his contract with Lille and is likely to leave next summer.
The LaLiga giants remain on the hunt for cost-effective options in the market and have set their sights on David. Barcelona are laying down succession plans for Robert Lewandowski, who has been in spectacular form this season.
However, the Polish striker will turn 37 next summer and is expected to slow down soon. The Catalans believe that David could be the ideal candidate to fill Lewandowski's shoes at Camp Nou.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a steady rise with Lille in recent times. This season, David has registered 13 goals from 19 games across competitions.
However, the player's efforts have also turned heads at the Allianz Arena, which could be a concern for Barcelona. Bayern Munich apparently believe that the Canadian could be an interesting addition to Vincent Kompany's squad.
David has a cordial relationship with Alphonso Davies, which could also work in the Bundesliga giants' plans. Bayern Munich director Max Eberl is apparently a fan of the striker as well.
Meanwhile, the German side will be able to offer the player a better financial package than the Catalans. Juventus and Inter Milan are reportedly eyeing the Canadian striker as well.
Which other striker is on Barcelona's radar ahead of 2025?
Barcelona are also eyeing Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres as an option to replace Robert Lewandowski in 2025. The Swedish ace has exploded into the scenes at Lisbon since arriving at the club in the summer of 2023.
Last season, Gyokeres registered 43 goals and 15 assists from 50 games across competitions. This year, he has already scored 23 goals and set up four more from 18 games, which includes a hattrick against Manchester City in the Champions League.
While the Catalans would like to see him at Camp Nou next year, prising him away won't be easy either. The 26-year-old reportedly has a €100m release clause in his deal, which runs until 2028.
With the LaLiga giants still under financial difficulties, they may not be in any position to exercise that option. Meanwhile, Barcelona will also face competition from Manchester United in the race for Gyokeres. With Ruben Amorim taking charge at Old Trafford this week, the Red Devils are likely to be the favorites in this race.