BID AGREED: AC MILAN have offer €40 million, Lille’s valuation for Pioli top target for January move of top striker

Jonathan David’s worth is decreasing.

In the midst of ongoing speculation about AC Milan’s intentions to sign Jonathan David this summer, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Lille would only accept €40-45 million ($58-65 million CAD) for the Canadian star in January or later, rather than the reported €60-70 million ($87-$101 million CAD) that would have prompted them to consider a sale this summer.

Part of this is due to David’s contract expiring at the end of next season, which means that by the January window, he will have less than 18 months left on his agreement. Another factor is that he has slowed down in 2023-24, at least so far. After scoring 24 goals in 37 games in Ligue 1 last season, he has only scored twice this season, with a quarter of the French league season being completed.

He’s still a tremendously good player and natural goalscorer, so it’s easy to see why Milan are interested.

According to Gazzetta, Milan has been a fan of David for years, despite not openly committing to signing him until this summer.

Now appears to be the ideal time for them to make a push to sign the 23-year-old. Olivier Giroud has aged like a beautiful wine and continues to do so, but he is 37 years old and an heir is urgently needed, if not immediately. Milan’s other star striker, Noah Okafor, has stated that he does not consider himself a No. 9.

All of this has prompted Milan to prepare a January bid, and the new reported valuation of closer to €40 million rather than €60 million is regarded to be far more practicable for Milan.

It’s uncertain whether David would welcome the change, but on the whole, you’d have to think he would. Milan are a significant step up from Lille, a team that consistently competes for the league title and is a member of the Champions League.

Rumours concerning David’s future persisted throughout the summer transfer season, but only a late and audacious loan bid from Milan materialized, owing partly to Lille’s high value. More speculation is expected in the coming weeks, and a possible transfer is already looking more realistic.