Transfer Gossip: Liverpool stun Real Madrid by resuming Jude Bellingham contact with unusual request; Arsenal ace eyed by PSG
Liverpool have kickstarted fresh contact over a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, while an Arsenal attacker is on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain – all in the latest transfer gossip.
BELLINGHAM BACK IN CONTACT WITH LIVERPOOL
Liverpool are still speaking to Jude Bellingham and his representatives despite withdrawing from the race to sign him this summer, a report has claimed.
Bellingham appeared to be Liverpool’s top midfield target going into the summer transfer window. However, Borussia Dortmund’s high asking price of more than £130million has put them off. After all, Liverpool need to invest in multiple midfielders, rather than blowing their budget on just one.
In turn, Real Madrid now appear to be the favourites to sign Bellingham. Yet there has been another twist regarding the 19-year-old’s future.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are back in touch with Bellingham’s representatives to lay the groundwork for his move to Anfield.
Now, Liverpool’s strategy is to wait until 2024 to sign Bellingham. By then, there will only be one year left on his contract with Borussia Dortmund, unless the Bundesliga side can extend it.
Somewhat unusually, Liverpool are now hoping their target stays at his current club. Then, one year down the line, they might have a better chance of affording him.
Even if Bellingham extends his contract with Borussia Dortmund, the report claims he could have a release clause in his new deal, which would make negotiations for a future Liverpool transfer easier.
It could be an anxious summer for Liverpool, though, since Real Madrid have already made their own pitch to Bellingham for a transfer this year.
After beating Liverpool to another midfielder in the shape of Aurelien Tchouameni last summer, Real Madrid could be ready to disrupt the Reds’ plans again.
If they do not succeed in doing so, though, all eyes will be on whether Bellingham will move elsewhere this summer or wait it out for a Liverpool switch in 2024.
For the time being, Liverpool will be working on more affordable deals to bolster their midfield ahead of next season.
PSG PLOT BALOGUN MOVE
Folarin Balogun’s form for Reims while on loan from Arsenal has caught the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, according to a report.
After an underwhelming spell with Middlesbrough, Arsenal sent Balogun on loan to Ligue 1 side Reims in the summer. It has become the perfect step for the striker, whose form in France has been sensational.
Arsenal already face a dilemma about what to do with Balogun after he returns from Reims. Their existing strikers are Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, so they might have to cash in while they can.
After all, Balogun would only want to return to Arsenal if they could promise him regular gametime.
A few clubs have already been queuing up for the 21-year-old. According to L’Equipe, one solution could be for him to remain in France – but by joining PSG.
Coincidentally, PSG took Hugo Ekitike from Reims last summer, but haven’t reaped the rewards. In the market for another centre-forward now, the reigning Ligue 1 champions might be making plans for Balogun.
Only their own Kylian Mbappe, Lille’s Jonathan David and Lyon’s ex-Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette have scored more goals in the French top flight than Balogun this season.
In order to snap Balogun up from Arsenal, PSG might have to make a bid in the region of €30m (£26.6m).
INTER EYE FULHAM RAID
Fulham remain at risk of losing Tosin Adarabioyo to Inter Milan, judging by claims in the European media.
Adarabioyo has been with Fulham since 2020 and recently surpassed a century of appearances for the club. However, they are bracing themselves for interest in his services this summer.
According to Diario Sport, the defender remains on the radar of Inter. Indeed, the Italians have identified him as an alternative target to Samuel Umtiti.
Umtiti has caught Inter’s attention while on loan in Serie A with Lecce from Barcelona. But after Gazzetta Dello Sport also revealed their interest in Adarabioyo, Sport has backed up the notion that the Englishman could end up at San Siro.
Inter are about to lose Milan Skriniar on a free transfer. They are also in danger of having to sell Alessandro Bastoni one year before his contract expires; the futures of Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi are in doubt too.
In short, Inter’s centre-back options could be overhauled ahead of next season. And with Adarabioyo approaching the final year of his Fulham contract, he could be a gettable target.
