Chelsea linked with move for Ligue 1 star

Chelsea will be hoping to close the gap on the Premier League’s top two on Wednesday as they travel to face Brentford. 

The Blues make the short trip across west London to face The Bees, knowing that victory would leave them just a point behind second-placed Manchester City, who don’t play until the weekend.

Graham Potter’s side are in superb form going into the fixture, having won five of their last six games, scoring 12 times and conceding just once.

Despite their great form in front of goal, Potter is reportedly already planning ahead by looking to sign a new forward.

As reported by French outlet Jeunes Footeux via Football London, The Blues are considering a move for Lille striker Jonathan David.

The Canadian forward has been in fine form since the start of last season, and has been linked with other top clubs in the past.

Last term, David scored 15 goals in 38 Ligue 1 matches, and he has netted nine times in 11 games so far this season as well as providing two assists.

David is viewed by Potter as a potential replacement for Aubameyang

David was given his senior debut for Canada in 2018 and he now boasts a remarkable record, having scored 20 goals in 30 appearances for the national side.

According to the report, the Canada international is viewed by Potter and owner Todd Boehly as a potential replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Despite the Gabon international scoring in three consecutive appearances prior to The Blues’ win over Aston Villa on Sunday, Aubameyang is 33-years-old and isn’t viewed by his current employers as a long-term solution.

Over the summer, 22-year-old David was linked with a move to Arsenal prior to The Gunners’ signing of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.

Arsenal could post a huge threat to Chelsea’s pursuit of the player if the did rival them for his signature, with David having previously admitted his admiration for Arsenal legend Theirry Henry.

“European clubs made me dream. I watched Barca a lot, Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, with Henry and Patrick Vieira,” he told L’Equipe in 2021.

Chelsea have had huge success when buying from Lille in the past, with Eden Hazard making the move from the French club to London in 2012.