Arsenal do have an interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, according to reports in the English media.
However, the chances of securing the England international’s signature are low both due to the cost of the deal, and the fact that they haven’t put in any of the legwork in terms of courting the player and his family.
Even though Bellingham is a very talented player, most fans on Twitter agree that pursuing the teenager next summer is probably not worthwhile:
What do we need him for ?
— Akin (@akin_abbey94) January 3, 2023
He’ll be an upgrade on what ever we have in that left sided No 8 role, but not sure we need him. Xhaka is in the form of his life. Smithrowe might be transitioning to that role. Patino on loan also seems perfect for that role. Money could be spent elsewhere, where we really need
— Sanni Uthman (@SanniUthman7) January 3, 2023
Just go for rice
— AVA🦋 (@AvaScotfield) January 3, 2023
real madrid wants to pay more than 100 million for bellingham. dont think this is possible
— e (@cokbilmise2) January 3, 2023
Get me Declan
— HøIic🚤 (@__Mark_O) January 3, 2023
Bellingham wants over £300k a week. We aren’t paying that. Move on
— 🇵🇸 (@HarshG00ner) January 3, 2023
We have Patino coming up. We good 👍
— Mr Pyrex Man (@OGRumzin) January 3, 2023
Bellingham is undoubtedly a massive talent. Manchester United legend Roy Keane was full of praise for the midfielder after his performances at the World Cup, saying:
“He’s going to be a superstar that kid. We keep using the word but maturity, he plays like he’s played 100 times for England… I’ve not seen a young midfielder perform like that for years. His maturity, his decision making, which is huge for a midfielder, the kid has everything.”
However, the fact that Dortmund could demand as much as €150m (£133m) for the 19-year-old makes any deal very difficult. Combined with the competition from other clubs, Arsenal would also have a very tough time getting the player to snub interest from elsewhere and make the switch to the Emirates instead.
