Arsenal: Mikel Arteta previews clash with Newcastle
Arsenal admire in-demand Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham but will face two problems if they pursue a summer transfer, according to reports. Bellingham is wanted by a plethora of Premier League and overseas clubs, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Spanish giants Real Madrid all competing to sign the England starlet.
The Gunners are marching towards the top-flight title and could tempt some bigger names in the summer transfer window, regardless of whether they fend off Manchester City and win the league for the first time since 2004. Mikel Arteta has raised the north Londoners’ reputation as a hub for developing young players.
Arsenal could therefore try to convince Bellingham to join in the summer, with their recruitment team apparently in admiration for the 19-year-old. However, the cost of a potential blockbuster transfer and the competition for his signature make them ‘considerable underdogs’.
Dortmund are believed to be quoting a starting fee of £130million (€150m). That would wipe out a huge portion of Arsenal’s transfer budget, with the club having already spent well over £200m in the last two summers.
Arsenal 'admire' Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid target Jude Bellingham but face two problems (Image: GETTY IMAGES)
It is unclear if Arsenal will have the finances to complete a deal for Bellingham. His salary is also likely to be a huge expense.
But even if they did, the competition for the former Birmingham prodigy could prove too difficult. According to The Athletic, Liverpool and Real Madrid have already completed much of the groundwork ahead of their potential bids to Dortmund.
The report continues that a high-profile transfer such as Bellingham’s involves a lengthy wooing process. Arsenal would not only need to catch up with the likes of Liverpool and Real from a standing starting position, but prove to the player and his family that the Emirates Stadium is the best destination for the next stage of his career.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Jude Bellingham could move in the summer transfer window (Image: GETTY IMAGES)
Clubs will then circle for his signing next summer, potentially leaving Arsenal out of the picture. The Gunners have their own big plans for January and beyond, with a mega-money deal for Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk a work-in-progress.
Saturday’s 4-2 win over Brighton propelled Arsenal seven points above Man City after 16 games. They face Newcastle on Tuesday evening.