Lille striker Jonathan David has reportedly chosen Napoli over Milan, agreeing terms on a contract with the Partenopei. The 24-year-old Canadian striker has a year left on his existing deal with the Ligue 1 side, prompting speculation that he will be sold this summer.
According to Calciomercato, David’s entourage has reportedly accepted Napoli’s offer, which includes a salary of €3 million per season and a five-year contract, extending until 2029. However, there remains a gap to bridge with Lille, David’s current club, regarding the transfer fee. Napoli have tabled an offer of €35 million, while Lille’s asking price hovers around €45 million.
The primary objective behind Napoli’s move is to gain an edge over rival clubs, particularly those in the English Premier League, and also to surpass the interest shown by Milan. The Rossoneri’s pursuit of David has been tempered by the uncertainty surrounding their managerial situation, as they await the appointment of a new head coach. Notably, Milan are considering Paulo Fonseca, whose connection with David covers their time together at Lille. Should Fonseca be appointed, it could trigger a swift response from Milan’s sporting director, Frederic Massara, to pursue the promising striker.
However, Napoli’s proactive approach suggests they are intent on securing David’s services as a long-term solution for their attacking department, especially considering the potential departure of Victor Osimhen.