The President of Lille says that Inter Milan and Juventus target Jonathan David will not be on the move in the January transfer window.
Lille President Olivier Letang spoke to French outlet RMC, via FCInterNews. He also made clear that the French club have offered David a new contract.
Canadian international striker David is one player who looks set to be a major free transfer opportunity during the upcoming summer transfer window.
As things stand, the 24-year-old is only under contract with Lille for a few more months.
David’s deal with Lille runs out at the end of next June.
And considering David’s goal record in Ligue 1 as well as his Champions League and international experience, there is no shortage of interest in taking advantage of his situation.
Reportedly a lot of the interest in David’s signature centres around Serie A.
Inter and Juventus look to be among the biggest candidates to sign the former Gent striker.
In the case of the Nerazzurri, the interest is hardly surprising. They have already signed the likes of Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Andre Onana, and Marcus Thuram on free transfers among others.
Inter President Beppe Marotta has spoken about the importance of free transfers to his club’s strategy
This summer alone, Inter signed Mehdi Taremi and Piotr Zielinski on free transfers.
Lille President Confirms Inter & Juventus Target Jonathan David “Not Going Anywhere” In January
It is hardly just Inter who are keen to sign David.
Juventus are reportedly big admirers of the Canadian international. They could move for him particularly if Dusan Vlahovic is to head for the exit door next summer.
Meanwhile, AC Milan also reportedly have David on their radar. And even Bayern Munich are also ready to join the race, which also includes Premier League clubs.
All this interest is set to prompt a major transfer battle.
And there have even been some rumours that Lille may cash in while they have the chance.
The interest in David’s signature for next summer could allow the French side, who won the Ligue 1 title during the 2020-21 season, to bring in a decent fee midway through this season.
But the club’s President has made clear that that is not their intention.
“We’re very happy to have him,” Lille President Letang said of David.
“This summer he had one year left on his contract. But we were under no pressure to sell him.”
The Lille President made clear that “That was also because we didn’t receive any suitable offers.”
“We’ve already offered him a contract extension,” Letang said of David. “And now the ball is in his court.”
“But David will not leave during the January window,” the Lille President made very clear. “Jonathan loves this club, and it’s his home.”