Forget Kylian Mbappe - Arsenal's game-changing next transfer is staring them in the face

Mikel Arteta uttered one sentence to reporters and sent Arsenal supporters into overdrive. Even celebrity fan Piers Morgan’s heart started racing about the prospect of the Gunners pulling off the biggest transfer in English football history.

"When there is a player of that calibre, we always have to be in that conversation,” Arteta said about the prospect of signing Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe. Steady on, Mikel.

Not since Thierry Henry - a player who bears striking similarities to the PSG talisman in so many ways - have Arsenal boasted a player in the conversation for the world’s greatest. Mbappe has outlined his desire to leave the Parisians but Arsenal fans should cool their optimism to avoid crashing down to earth when he inevitably joins Real Madrid this summer.

To solve their striker conundrum, Arsenal need to get realistic - and fast. FFP/PSR continues to have Premier League clubs in a chokehold and, despite being a free transfer, Mbappe’s astronomical wages would prove an obstacle. Brentford are also reportedly demanding up to £80million for Ivan Toney, a case in point of English tax. But fear not, Arsenal fans, because there is a cheaper alternative just across the English channel.

Ligue 1 has been kind to the Gunners, arguably more so than any other Premier League club. The likes of Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira were cornerstones of Arsenal’s success for years. In recent times, the likes of Samir Nasri and Alexandre Lacazette were shrewd signings from France.

While he does not represent the blue, white and red tricolour, Jonathan David has honed his skills in France and is ready to take the next leap. Born in the US but a Canadian international, the 24-year-old has bagged 71 goals in 165 games for Lille despite his tender age.

He helped Les Dogues clinch the league title against all odds in 2021 - overcoming Mbappe’s PSG. A respectable 26 goals in 45 games for Canada - who hardly compete at the upper echelons of world football - also offers comfort. Unlike Toney, who turns 28 next month, this is a player with age on his side. In four years, David will likely have left the Brentford man in the dust among the pantheon of elite strikers. As it stands, their xG stats (Toney 0.5 per game compared to 0.48) are almost identical. But David trumps the Bees talisman for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.16) and take-ons per 90 (1.97) - highlighting his all-round game.

While Brentford are demanding mega money for Toney, Lille would reportedly do business for £35million as he has one year left on his contract. Manchester United were linked with David in January before Rasmus Hojlund found his shooting boots. Given Arsenal’s strength out wide, adding David to their attack should be a top priority. A fluid frontline, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in reserve, can be achieved without needing to spend gazillions.

The striker has also already fluttered his eyes at a potential move to north London. He said during the World Cup: "I am aware of nothing (regarding transfer links). When I am at the World Cup, I am just focused on trying to enjoy the tournament and enjoying the moment.

"What happens after I do not know, we will have to see. The Premier League is the best league in the world and I think every player would want to play there some day."

Arsenal have spent money throughout Arteta’s reign but have done so with a measured approach, reluctant to splash the cash on an arguably high maintenance character in Mbappe. Signing the Canadian international would maintain that ethos, keeping the costs down while improving the Gunners’ attack. Mbappe, for now, is pure Football Manager talk.