Barcelona face AC Milan, Arsenal competition for free-transfer striker target in 2025

Barcelona are once again keeping a close eye on the free-agent market for the summer transfer window of next year and have identified several potential targets.

One such player on the radars of the current La Liga leaders happens to be Lille and Canada striker Jonathan David.

The 24-year-old forward has been in fine form for Lille over the past few seasons and appears destined for a bigger club, having not signed a renewal with the Ligue 1 outfit yet.

Barcelona are interested in David, with Robert Lewandowski entering the twilight of his career, and are closely watching the Canadian’s situation, hoping to sign him up on a Bosman deal in 2025.

Competition increases

However, according to reports in Italy, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are set to face some serious competition in their pursuit of Jonathan David.

Premier League giants Arsenal, for one, have shown an interest in acquiring the Canadian international’s services. Their English rivals – Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also watching him.

But as per the report, the most serious interest appears to be coming from Serie A giants AC Milan, with the Rossoneri’s senior advisor and former Barça star Zlatan Ibrahimovic a big supporter of the move.

It must be noted that Milan’s current manager, Paulo Fonseca, gave David his break at Lille and that might play a factor in the transfer race for the 24-year-old, who believes he is at the right stage in his career to take the next big step.

Barcelona have faith in Lewandowski to lead the line for one more year following the veteran Pole’s explosive start to the season.

However, having David ready to take over when the former Bayern Munich man decides to step away, by signing him for free next year makes a great deal of sense for the Catalans.

In 13 games this season, David has netted eight goals, which includes a match-winning strike against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

But with competition from Milan, Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham, Juventus and Inter could complicate things.