Jobe Bellingham has been urged to turn down any transfer interest from Chelsea by former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini.
Jobe, 19, is the brother of England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. Both emerged from Birmingham City's academy, but took quite different routes as Jude went on to sign for Borussia Dortmund in Germany, while Jobe signed for Championship side Sunderland in the summer of 2023.
Since moving to the Stadium of Light, Bellingham has scored 11 goals and registered four assists in his 80 appearances so far. The midfielder's performances have caught the attention of some of England's top clubs, including Chelsea and Tottenham.
Reports emerged this week indicating that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is lining up a surprise bid to sign the youngster from Sunderland, who is under contract until 2028. It has been suggested that the London club are eager to bolster their squad with young English talent in the upcoming transfer window, although it has been suggested that any potential incomings could prompt the departure of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
In light of speculation surrounding Bellingham's future at Sunderland, Gabbiadini has warned a move to Stamford Bridge could do more harm than good. "As soon as you say Chelsea, alarm bells start ringing for me," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"How many players have gone there and it's just not worked out? Please, whatever you do, don't go there. If you are going to leave Sunderland, don't go there."
Instead, Gabbiadini named the Bundesliga as the ideal next step in Bellingham's future, After all, his brother's move to Dortmund in 2020 proved fruitful and was the perfect stepping stone to bigger things at Real Madrid.
"It's a Premier League problem," Gabbiadini continued. "He's been playing brilliantly, he's really great to watch and you can understand why teams are interested in him.
"But does he want to be playing in Premier League football yet? It's a big step but you want to get it right."
football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel
Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!
Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.
Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!