Chelsea hold talks to sign 24-year-old who played against Lionel Messi at Copa America 2024: Reports
Chelsea have initiated talks with Lille striker Jonathan David, who featured for Canada against Lionel Messi's Argentina in the Copa America opener this week. The Blues are in the hunt for a new striker and are looking at the Canadian star.
Chelsea have indicated their interest in signing a new striker this summer, initially targeting reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen. They have run through a list of targets without making any signings, and with the new season coming closer, are set to target another player.
David Ornstein reports that the Blues have held direct talks with Jonathan David over a move to Stamford Bridge this summer. The club view the 24-year-old striker highly among their remaining targets but have not commenced talks with Lille this summer for the striker.
David has only 12 months left on his contract with the French club, who he helped to win the Ligue 1 title in 2021. The striker has scored 84 goals in his time at the club and is the third-highest goalscorer in their history.
Chelsea made offers for Aston Villa man Jhon Duran and Atletico Madrid youngster Samu Omorodion but were unsuccessful in their attempts at signing them. This has made them turn their attention towards David, who is on international duty with Canada at the Copa America.
One of the big hopes of Canadian football, Jonathan David featured for the entirety of their opener against Lionel Messi and Argentina in Atlanta. The striker will be available on a cut-price deal from his club, seeing as his current deal is due to expire in 2025.
Chelsea submit offer for Lionel Messi's compatriot - Reports
Chelsea have sent in a bid for Argentine teenager Aaron Anselmino worth between £12-15 million to Boca Juniors. The 19-year-old defender has emerged as a target for the Premier League giants as they look to continue to sign young talent.
BBC reports that the Blues have submitted an initial offer for the centre-back but do not intend for him to play in the first team immediately. They will look to send him on loan to fellow BlueCo-owned club Strasbourg for a season, at least, to get him up to speed with European football.
Anselmino is another youngster out of Messi's Argentina looking to make a name for himself in Europe. Manchester City have already signed Claudio Echeverri from River Plate and multiple sides have been linked with 16-year-old Franco Mastantuono this summer, as well.