Arsenal could be shaping up for some big changes during the summer transfer window.
Elimination from the Europa League last week means the Gunners' only hope of sealing a return to the Champions League for next season is by finishing in the top four - or top five - in the Premier League this term.
Currently sitting in 10th position in the table, albeit with a game in hand, there's no guarantee that Mikel Arteta's side will be able to leapfrog the likes of Sheffield United and Wolves let alone catch Chelsea and Manchester United.
As a result, there might not even be European football on offer at the Emirates Stadium during the 2020/21 season and that could affect transfer plans this summer.
There has already been talk of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette leaving in the summer and a replacement in Gent's Jonathan David has reportedly been touted.
With that said, here's everything we know about the Jonathan David to Arsenal transfer rumour.
£17.5m transfer fee
Arsenal are eyeing Jonathan David as potential replacement for captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
That's according to Goal who claim the Gunners have been scouting the 20-year-old striker extensively this season ahead of a possible summer move to north London.
David has scored an impressive 23 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions so far this season and is said to be high up on Arsenal’s list of potential replacements for Aubameyang and/or Lacazette.
In addition, the report states that Arsenal's wouldn't have to break the bank for David.
Whilst the forward does not have a release clause in his contract wit Gent, a bid of around £17.5 millions expected to be enough to tempt the Belgian club into doing business.
Aubameyang contract talks
As mentioned above, David is being touted as a potential replacement for Aubameyang.
The Arsenal captain is now into the final 15 months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium which leaves Edu and Raul Sanllehi with a massive decision to make at the end of the season.
Cash in or risk losing the 30-year-old for free in the summer of 2021?
But for head coach Mikel Arteta the situation is simple, he wants to keep Aubameyang at all costs.
"We will have to do that [sit down with him] at some stage before the end of the season," Arteta said. "I want to keep him in any circumstances."
Agent makes transfer admission
David will leave Gent this summer.
This has been confirmed by the forward's agent Nick Mavromaras.
He is of the opinion that the 20-year-old is ready to make the next step in his career amid links to Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton.
"Without a doubt: Jonathan is ready for the next step," Mavromaras told Het Laatste Nieuws. "Gent has boosted his career, the club did a lot for him. I understand that they would like to keep him longer, but Jonathan wants to go ahead.
"The Belgian league is fantastic for young players, but the moment for the next step arrives and this will come in the summer.
"His final target is to play for one of the five best clubs in the world. But for now, we have to stay humble. The next step in his career can’t be too big."
Arsenal transfer too soon?
Mavromaras also hinted that a move to Arsenal this early in his career wouldn't be the best idea.
"For example, Arsenal. There we speak about the top five in the Premier League," he added.
"The next step has to be an intelligent one. There, this would possibly be a step too big at the moment. The whole package has to be right. An intermediate step can be better sometimes."
Bayern Munich preference
With that said, David's preference is said to be Bayern Munich.
According to Interdipendenza, as per Foot News, the youngster is attracting interest from the current Bundesliga leaders, but the chances of a move are reportedly quite low.
This could work in Arsenal's favour.
