Real Madrid targeting Lille's David in exchange for Hazard

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Real Madrid are reportedly keen on strengthening their forward line, identifying Lille's Jonathan David as one of their primary targets.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, David is the subject of plenty of interest from European clubs, particularly Real Madrid, with him becoming one of the most prolific strikers in European football.

The Canadian striker join Lille from KAA Gent in 2020, and has since become a reliable forward for the French side, being one of the main players in their Ligue 1 title win last season, and he has retained that sort of form this season, scoring 14 goals in 25 games so far this season, despite Lille's struggles in the league.

His goalscoring ability has caught the eye of Real Madrid, who are looking at alternatives for Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, as while they are the priority for the Spanish side, David might seem as a cheaper option to rotate with Karim Benzema and eventually take his place in the long-term.

Additionally, David could be signed even if Haaland is signed, with David being identified as a key squad player for the club.

The report adds that Real Madrid could also propose a part-exchange deal, with Lille considering making a move for their former player Eden Hazard, who has struggled massively with Real Madrid mainly due to injuries.

However, some of the other clubs interested in David include Arsenal and Liverpool, both clubs where he could fight for the starting spot up front, and so it remains to be seen whether he prefers being a starter or simply a member of the squad.