Arsenal will not compete with Premier League rivals for the signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham next summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
There have been some suggestions that the Gunners could get involved in the battle for the 19-year-old’s signature, but Romano says Mikel Arteta’s side won’t pay the wages that the player is looking for:
“I think Arsenal are doing fantastic but it’s also about the salary; this is why other Premier League and La Liga clubs can offer [a] different kind of contract. Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City, Man United and of course Real Madrid really want him.”
Fans on Twitter had a mixed reaction to Romano’s remarks. Some believe that Bellingham could become a realistic target if Arsenal finish in the top four, while others feel that the midfielder is not worth all the hassle:
Ask again at the end on the season😏
— Louis🔴⚪🔴 (@LQQBS) October 12, 2022
That's okay, we have our squad
— Arteta's Black Sweater (@CEOSoccergooner) October 12, 2022
We can compete when we have CL.
— Reckless Child (@zelda5_iam) October 12, 2022
What if Jude decides i just want Arsenal and Arsenal only, what if ?! Arteta really likes players who love the team and don't need convincing to come play for us
— Alexa Gonzales (@alexaak3) October 12, 2022
Liverpool rarely ever seem to offer more wages than us? So I’m not sure how this makes sense lol
— ChopLife (@EPainDemm) October 12, 2022
We can’t afford overpriced players
— El hebreo (@Elhebreo5) October 12, 2022
If we finished top2/3 with the 2nd youngest team in the prem that tune will change quickly for alot of European stars
— JJ (@JJOil_Dynasty) October 12, 2022
He is nothing special.
— RonPaulSwede🇸🇪🇺🇸🇭🇰🇹🇼 (@RonPaulSwede) October 12, 2022
With the Premier League being so unpredictable this season, it’s hard to know who will be favourite for Bellingham by the summer. Liverpool were said to be among the favourites for his services but if they don’t qualify for the Champions League, it could allow others, such as Arsenal, to enter the race. Personal terms could be an issue, as Romano suggests, but the Gunners may want to pull out all the stops for the teenager.