Chelsea are one of “several Premier League clubs” who are hopeful of securing the signature of Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, according to reports in Germany.
Borussia Dortmund are said to be pushing the hardest to sign the 19-year-old, who is the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude.
Bild claims that the Bundesliga side sent an entourage over to England in order to convince Bellingham to make the move.
However, the midfielder has made it clear to Dortmund and other suitors that he won’t make a decision before the Championship Playoff final this weekend.
Sunderland take on Sheffield United at Wembley for a place in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
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Chelsea are firmly in the race to sign the player
Bild report that Enzo Maresca’s side are classed as one of the favourites if Bellingham snubs Dortmund’s offer and remains in the UK. The club’s financial resources and their interest in signing young players makes them a “strong option.”
Liverpool are also believed to be interested in the teenager, but they are waiting in the background, having taken a more cautious approach.
How much would Bellingham cost?
Sunderland are hoping to get around €30m (£25m) for the holding midfield player, despite having paid just £3m to snap him up from Birmingham City in the summer of 2023.
The Black Cats believe Bellingham has a very bright future, and their confidence in receiving a club record fee is warranted based on the amount of interest being shown in him.
Chelsea are certainly not shy when it comes to splashing out on players of Bellingham’s profile. Dortmund’s pursuit also demonstrates they think he does have the potential to follow in the footsteps of his older sibling, so we shall have to wait and see how this transfer story unfolds over the coming days.
Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here