Arsenal are reportedly unlikely to be in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham this summer.
The England international is expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming transfer window, with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all eyeing the 19-year-old’s situation at Dortmund.
Arsenal are looking for at least one new central midfielder this summer as Mikel Arteta has relied heavily on Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard this season.
The Gunners seem pretty confident they can offer any potential signing the prospect of playing in the Champions League next season, an incentive that could influence Bellingham’s next move.
However, The Telegraph reports that there is no indication from Arsenal that they are ready to fight for Bellingham’s signature this summer.
The report claims that the price of Bellingham’s transfer – a fee likely to exceed £100 million plus a hefty salary – is likely to be a key factor in Arsenal’s decision not to take part in the race.
Another reason why Arsenal seem to be avoiding Bellingham is that they have made Declan Rice their main target in midfield and the Gunners could bolster their squad with two key signings for the same price as the Dortmund midfielder.
In February, former Arsenal scout Francis Cagigao revealed he had recommended the Gunners sign Bellingham but that the midfielder, who played for Birmingham City, was “already too expensive”.
“I first saw him when he was 16 years old,” Cagigao told AS.
“I wanted to sign him for Arsenal, but he was already too expensive.
“He is very good. It is clear whether a club paid this amount for Enzo [Fernandez]”A club also pays for Bellingham.”
Author: Metro Transfer News Reporter
Source: Subway
Source: Metro
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