Arsenal make first move to complete next Jude Bellingham transfer amid possible double exit
Arsenal have joined the long queue of suitors interested in signing Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham, brother to Jude, according to reports. The 19-year-old has attracted interest from the Premier League with his performances in the Championship.
After making his professional debut for Birmingham City in 2022 at the age of 16 years three months and 16 days, Jobe has followed in his older brother's footsteps in impressing with his displays at such a young age.
The midfielder joined Sunderland in 2023 and has already made 70 appearances for the Black Cats. His performances have led to a number of Premier League clubs showing interest with Crystal Palace understood to have long-term interest.
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Football Transfers have recently reported that Arsenal have set their sights on the teenager as part of their future vision. With uncertainty over Thomas Partey and Jorginho's future, the Gunners are expected to be back in the market for new midfielders in the future.
The report states that scouts have been closely monitoring Bellingham's displays in the Championship. Any chance of a deal being struck have been bolstered with it being claimed that a gentlemen's agreement is in place between the England Under-21 international and Sunderland.
Bellingham signed a new contract last summer and as part of the negotiations, it was agreed that he would be allowed to leave for a Premier League should a suitable bid be submitted.
Currently valued at €18million (£14.9m), Jobe could be available for slightly more than that, depending on if Sunderland are promoted to the Premier League. The box-to-box midfielder has helped the Black Cats climb to fourth in the table, just three points behind leaders Leeds United.