Jonathan David to stay with Lille - Milan see deal rejected ahead of deadline day

Canadian men’s national team striker Jonathan David is expected to stay at Lille this summer. Transfermarkt can confirm a report by CBS Sports, that Milan had an offer rejected by Lille and David on Thursday. The Serie A side wanted to loan David only, which was against the player's wishes. 

With David under contract until 2025, the Ligue 1 side remains open to sell the striker in January. Milan are among a number of European top sides interested in the striker. David also had an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal earlier this summer. The SPL club offered a yearly salary of €12m for David but Lille and the player turned down an initial offer. 

That offer now represents a benchmark for the 23-year-old Canadian striker. After all, David has been productive in one of Europe’s top 5 leagues scoring 61 goals and 10 assists in 141 games for Lille since joining the club for €27m from Belgian side KAA Gent. That productivity has also been reflective in David’s market value, which has increased to €60m. 

Jonathan David in demand – What will happen in January? 

It will take a significant offer to convince both Lille and the player camp to move on. David ranked sixth among all players playing in a top 5 league in goalscoring with 24 goals in Ligue 1. That puts the Canadian in a similar category than Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Loïs Openda and Robert Lewandowski. The numbers are clear, David is one of Europe’s top strikers and will command a significant transfer fee if and when he moves.