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Arsenal striker target makes firm transfer decision after agent discussions
Jonathan David wants to leave Gent this summer and is being watched by some of the biggest teams in Europe.
Jonathan David admits he 'puts pressure' on himself
Arsenal and Manchester United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Gent star Jonathan David, reports claim. The Canada international is wanted by several European sides after another excellent campaign.
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The versatile attacking midfielder, who can also operate on the left channel or in the centre-forward position, arrived in Belgium in 2018 from Ottawa.
He's since proven himself as one of the brightest talents in world football having scored a phenomenal 37 goals and provided 15 assists in 83 appearances for the club.
The Brooklyn-born 20-year-old opted to represent Canada at international level and has an equally impressive record - netting 11 times in 12 fixtures.
Belgian newspaper HLN claim Premier League duo Arsenal and Manchester United held exploratory talks with David's representatives in recent months.
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Lyon, Porto and Ajax have also been in contact but none appear likely to secure his signature.
And that, according to HLN, is because David is determined to join a Bundesliga club and will NOT consider a different league.
There's no shortage of interest in Germany with Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach all in touch.
The latter are even claimed to have seen their initial £23million offer rejected.
Gent want between £27m-£31m for David in the upcoming transfer window and believe Bayern Munich are the only Bundesliga side capable of meeting their demands.
Gent sporting director Michel Louwagie confirmed the club rejected a significant offer for David in January - but it's not clear whether that was Monchengladbach's bid.
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“In January there was what would have been a club record transfer offer on the table, but we refused it,” he told Belgian news outlet Het Laatste Nieuws.
“Our goal is to keep this team together, even after the summer.
"We have extended his contract until 2023 for good reason. We won’t let a player like him go for any less than €25 million.”
Everton, Liverpool and Inter Milan have also been credited with interest but none have submitted an official proposal yet.