'Manchester United And Arsenal Begin Talks To Sign Young Forward

Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal could be set to battle it out for the signature of AA Gent forward Jonathan David, with both sides starting talks with the player's agent.

Both United and Arsenal could be in the market for a forward this summer. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team have kept the services of Odion Ighalo until January but need a longer term option whilst Arsenal may lose Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer.

They make come up against each other as they challenge for Gent striker David and, according to Belgian news outlet HLN, they have already begun talks with the player's agent Nick Mavromaras.

The Belgian side, who finished second in the league that was cut short, are reportedly holding out for at least €25 million for the 20-year-old.

David has been a regular scorer this season. Image: PA Images

The Canadian international, who was born in New York, has scored 23 goals in 40 appearances this season, including scoring against Roma in the Europa league.

His record for Canada is even more impressive, scoring 11 goals in just 12 games with all of them coming in competitive fixtures as far and not friendlies.

He would be one of the cheaper options for young strikers in Europe and has also been chased by Ajax, Everton, Porto and Inter.

Speaking to the Guardian recently David revealed that he's currently enjoying the first team football on offer at Gent but would like to play in England in the future, saying, "I don't really focus on that or think much about it. Right now I'm playing almost every minute of every game and that has really helped me get to the level that I need to be. I just need to take a good step where I can make sure I am getting enough time on the pitch to keep developing. I don't want to go somewhere and just stay on the bench so it's about taking the right step.

"I want to become one of the best strikers in the world. That's my goal. The Premier League is the best in the world and most competitive so obviously that is somewhere I would love to play in the future."

Aubameyang has just one year left on his deal at the Emirates. Image: PA Images

The Gunners' need for a striker will be big if Aubameyang leaves. The Gabonese forward only has a year left on his deal and may not sign a new deal, meaning this summer is the only chance to get money out of him.

Should the former Borussia Dortmund man leave then the north London club would only have Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli and Alexandre Lacazette as forward options.