Is David taking on a Chelsea audition?

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Chelsea are currently in the rather fortunate position of being able to buy just about anybody they want, whenever they want. Roman Abramovich has some of the deepest pockets in world football and is not afraid to flex financial muscles.

Given the Blues’ standing towards the top of a transfer food chain, it comes as no surprise to find them linked with every emerging talent that boasts enough potential to become a superstar of the future. One of those to have been slotted into that category of late could be about to take on the ultimate job interview at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are readying themselves for a continental clash with Ligue 1 title holders Lille and are priced at 7/1 odds, for those betting on UEFA Champions League markets, to successfully defend their European crown in 2022.

They are well fancied to make light work of French opposition in the last-16 of that competition, but no rival will be taken for granted – especially those with enough about them to spring a surprise and waltz off into the quarter-finals with a notable scalp tucked under their belt.

 

Lille may spend much of their time operating in the shadow of Paris Saint-Germain on a domestic stage, but they are no pushovers and boast some much sought-after talents within their ranks.

In the last window alone, Sven Botman and Renato Sanches generated enough speculation to keep gossip columns ticking over for several months, never mind 31 days. Stade Pierre-Mauroy is also home to USMNT star Timothy Weah – son of former Ballon d’Or winner George – and the familiar faces of one-time Premier League stars Jose Fonte, Hatem Ben Arfa and Angel Gomes. Then there is Jonathan David, and it is he that is generating the greatest buzz right now.

Is David the real deal?

The highly-rated Canadian international has been registering on recruitment radars across Europe for some time, but that interest is being ramped up in the present. David’s exploits for club and country suggest that a big-money move is now a case of when not if.

Unsurprisingly, given the riches on offer in England, David, who originally hails from Brooklyn, New York, is said to have plenty of Premier League suitors. Among those interested parties sit Chelsea, with such ability never likely to escape the attention of those in west London.

Thomas Tuchel’s side is about to get a good look at David and what he is capable of, with the hope being that he is not yet the finished article. If he is, then a reign as European champions could be brought to a close very quickly. If David were to start against Chelsea, then his name is likely to be nudged a few notches up a summer shopping list. The Blues are hardly short on attacking talent, but opportunities to acquire even more will never be passed up.

The Canadian’s agent has revealed in the past that his client grew up dreaming of one day representing a Premier League heavyweight, and said dream could soon become a reality. A stage has been set for David to showcase his considerable talent, but will he pass the audition and convince Abramovich to part with a few more pounds?