Premier League leaders Arsenal ‘must’ be in the conversation to sign Liverpool and Manchester United target Jude Bellingham from German giants Borussia Dortmund, Ally McCoist tells talkSPORT (3 November, 11am).
Not only are the Gunners sitting pretty in top spot, they have ascended to the summit of English football with a squad chock-full of exciting, homegrown talent.
Emile Smith Rowe, Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka have forced their way into Gareth Southgate’s plans after blossoming in North London. Ben White is one of the most in-form defenders in the division.
Rob Holding, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, meanwhile, will also get their fair share of opportunities with Arsenal looking to go all the way in the UEFA Europa League.
So while Arsenal are hardly at the forefront of discussions surrounding the England international’s future, with Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester rivals City and United among those keen on arguably the world’s finest young midfielder, McCoist feels it would be foolish to rule out the prospect of Bellingham being tempted to join Saka and co in the capital.
Could Arsenal be a potential destination for Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham?
“Is Man United a better prospect for somebody like Bellingham, at this moment in time, than Liverpool?,” the Rangers legend asks. “You’ve got to bring Arsenal into that equation. You must bring Arsenal into that equation.
“They look as though they’re the club you want to be at.”
According to The Athletic, a Liverpool side in need of some fresh blood are making the Birmingham-born 19-year-old their number one target heading into 2023. Dortmund, meanwhile, will demand around £85 million for a man who, with nine goals in just 19 games this season, is adding a ruthless streak to his impeccable technical ability and seemingly boundless energy reserves.
Arsenal, then, would have to part with a club-record fee if they want Bellingham at the Emirates.
“I was impressed when he was 17. Imagine (what I think about him) now that he’s 19!” Pep Guardiola said before Man City’s Champions League clash with Dortmund last month.
“He grew up so (much). Defensively, he’s able to follow (Ilkay) Gundogan or Kevin (De Bruyne) in the pockets and win the duels.
“So he’s an exceptional player. I think everyone knows it. Not because the manager of Manchester City is going to tell you. Everybody knows it.”
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