Arsenal are one of the teams interested in Jonathan David, according to Fabrizio Romano...

What's the word?

The Italian transfer expert delivered the exciting claim to Twitter earlier this week as the Gunners' search for a new striker rumbles on, though it's a move that may have to wait until the summer window.

"Jonathan David will be one of the big names on the market… in the summer. He’s not leaving Lille in January, the plan is to complete the season in Ligue 1.

"Arsenal have been mentioned among clubs interested in him - but there’s nothing advanced yet. Open and long race," he said.

David is currently valued at £45m, as per Transfermarkt.

Vlahovic alternative

Thus far, the north London giants have been left frustrated in their pursuit to find a new talisman for manager Mikel Arteta - a need that is only going to get desperate the closer we get to next season.

That's because Alexandre Lacazette is still out of contract end the end of the current campaign, whilst the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is by no means certain, having been stripped of the captaincy for behind-the-scenes disciplinary reasons.

Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic has emerged as a key target for the club but they are yet to make any advances despite being linked with a £150m package for him this month.

It's been reported that he isn't keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium and that he could well also remain in Italy until the summer, at the earliest.

David could therefore be an intriguing and perhaps perfect alternative as he's not going to cost as much as the Serbian and he too has been in electric form this term.

As per Transfermarkt, the Canada international has found the net 16 times from only 28 appearances, averaging one goal every 134 minutes, which is very impressive indeed.

He is finally living up to him €30m (£26m) price tag from Club Brugge, where his former boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck once dubbed him "a phenomenon" and "the best player in the country."

Last season, he bagged 13 goals on their way to the Ligue 1 title, so the 5 foot 11 marksman has been a very important player for Les Dogues.

Strong with both feed and pace to burn, David could easily fit in with Arteta's system as he seems the ideal mix between both Aubameyang and Lacazette.

Therefore, it would make sense for Edu Gaspar and the Gunners' recruitment team to turn to the Lille beast in the coming weeks, if not months as the need for a new striker is paramount ahead of next season.

Arteta would surely love David at Arsenal.

AND in other news, Arsenal dealt huge transfer setback...