Striker set to become free agent nets hat-trick amid Newcastle United and Arsenal ‘interest’

One reported Newcastle United transfer target has impressed with a hat-trick this season.

Jonathan David, who had been linked with a move to Newcastle United, delivered an impressive performance for Lille on Saturday.

The attacker has had a promising start to the season, with four goals and two assists in ten games across all competitions. Having scored a goal in his club’s 3-3 home tie with Strasbourg the previous weekend, David came to the fore once more with a well-taken hat-trick as his side won 3-0 at Stade Oceane to move within three points of their Champions League exploits.

David’s treble comes less than a week after TBR Football suggested Newcastle were ‘in discussions’ to sign the Canada international on a free transfer next summer, when his Lille contract is set to expire. During the last international break, the 24-year-old revealed how he views his future and addressed speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League during the previous two transfer windows.

During the international break, he told The Athletic, “It simply didn’t happen.” There were a few offers, but we didn’t complete the transaction. I chatted with a few teams. I chatted with the coaches. But finally decided to stay. What am I waiting for (in terms of settling on a new deal)? I suppose it is easier to express now. I’m in the final year of my contract. My contract will eventually come to an end. We’re currently communicating with (Lille President Oliver Letang) about a possible extension. We’ll see how it goes. I am open to everything. I believe the Premier League is widely considered as one of the top leagues in the world. And for me, it’s not either the Premier League or bust. I’m open to everything, and each league presents unique challenges.”

Newcastle are expected to add to their forward options throughout the next two transfer windows. Due to Alexander Isak’s toe injury, Eddie Howe had to rely on Anthony Gordon to lead the attack in Saturday’s draw with Manchester City. The future of Callum Wilson is also uncertain, since the former Bournemouth forward’s contract expires at the conclusion of the season, implying that Newcastle may prioritise an attacking addition in the near future.