Atletico Madrid lose ground in Jonathan David transfer race

It is expected that Canadian international Jonathan David will leave Lille on a free transfer next summer.

David has developed into one of the deadliest players in Ligue 1 following his transfer from Ghent in 2020.

97 goals in 202 games is a remarkable goal tally, but rumor has it he is looking for a new challenge for the 2025/26 season.

Lille's offer for a contract extension has been rejected as Sky Sports indicate that Bayern Munich are now the current frontrunners to sign the 24-year-old forward on a pre-contract deal.

Bayern Munich CEO Max Eberl is reportedly determined to secure a deal, with Atletico Madrid struggling to match their offer as talks intensify in Bavaria.

Real Madrid have shown inconsistent interest in David, but with their attackers covered, a move to Munich offers a bigger first-team opportunity unless Los Rojiblancos can devise a new challenge for the Bundesliga giants.