“World class” Player Has Rejected Two New Contract Offers as Arsenal Open Talks Ahead of January Swoop

A “world-class” player has reportedly engaged in talks to join Arsenal through his representatives, with sporting director Edu Gaspar said to be prioritizing this deal.

After signing a new three-year contract, head coach Mikel Arteta, who has committed his future to the club, is now focusing all his attention on the upcoming North London Derby against Tottenham, which will take place on Sunday.

Arteta faces a few selection challenges ahead of Sunday’s 14:00 kick-off, as summer signing Mikel Merino is sidelined due to a shoulder injury.

According to reports, Merino is not expected to return until at least mid-October, making him unavailable for the derby. Additionally, star midfielder Declan Rice will also be absent, serving a suspension.

While Odegaard was initially expected to miss the Tottenham clash, there is some positive news for Arsenal fans. Arteta has not completely ruled out his captain’s participation in the match.

Meanwhile, both Gabriel Jesus and Riccardo Calafiori are working hard to regain fitness in time for Sunday’s game, easing concerns about the Gunners’ injury situation.

Despite this, the absence of both Merino and Rice creates a significant shortage in Arsenal’s midfield. There have been suggestions that Arteta may opt to drop Kai Havertz into a midfield role, with new signing Raheem Sterling potentially playing as a false nine. How the team will ultimately be set up remains to be seen.

Off the field, Edu and Arsenal’s recruitment team are reportedly already working on potential signings for next year. Arsenal are said to be targeting Benjamin Sesko ahead of 2025, having apparently made early contact to get ahead of their competition.

In addition, Arsenal have been linked with Ligue 1 striker Jonathan David this week. One of the French league’s most prolific scorers in recent seasons, David will soon be available at no cost, making him an attractive prospect for the Gunners.

Arsenal Open Talks With Jonathan David Ahead of January Swoop

Arsenal have initiated discussions with Jonathan David’s representatives in anticipation of a potential January transfer, according to CaughtOffside.

Rather than pursuing a pre-contract agreement, which would allow him to join for free next summer, the club is seeking an immediate move.

The Canada international has allegedly turned down two contract extension offers from his current club as he aims for a transfer. It is believed that Edu, Arsenal’s sporting director, is prioritizing David’s signing in the upcoming winter transfer window.

Additional reports suggest that Arsenal could entice David with a weekly salary exceeding £96,000. Although this figure is substantial, it would still place him below the club’s highest-paid players under Mikel Arteta’s management.

At 24, Jonathan David, who has been described as “world class” by former Canada manager Iain Hume, has already scored 153 goals across both club and international competitions.

“At his age, to have such a calmness, and a cool head like that? He is a world class player right now,” said Hume in 2022.

“That’s a Canadian kid. That’s the realism now. Name more than five/six strikers in the world better than him — I think you’ll struggle.”

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