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Arsenal failed in two attempts to sign England sensation Jude Bellingham, according to a fresh report.
The 19-year-old scored his first-ever England goal as the Three Lions dispatched Iran 6-2 in their World Cup opener.
In turn, the teenager became the third-youngest man to start a World Cup match for England and the first player born this century to score at a World Cup.
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The goal capped off what was a dazzling performance from the Birmingham-born midfielder. Bellingham’s intelligence, tenacity and passing prowess will no doubt have caught the eye of the many top clubs interested in his signature.
Bellingham to…Arsenal?
In the past few months, the Borussia Dortmund starlet has been linked with Europe’s Elite.
La Liga giants and Champions League holders Real Madrid are thought to be interested in the England man’s signature.
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Meanwhile, the Premier League’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United, are all keen to bring in the teenager.
However, a former Arsenal scout has admitted that the Gunners tried to sign Bellingham when he was 15 years old and plying his trade at Birmingham.
Francis Cagagio told La Voz de Galicia: “Jude is a player I have known since he was 15 years old when he was at Birmingham.
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“At Arsenal, we even made an offer for him - on two occasions. His football growth has been as expected.”
Dortmund subsequently landed Bellingham at a snip of £25m in 2020 from Birmingham and the midfielder is now wanted by a host of big guns.
However, when he eventually leaves the Bundesliga side, it is likely to be for at least four times that price.
Indeed, a report from Spanish news outlet Sport has claimed that Real Madrid are not prepared to meet the £130million fee allegedly set by Borussia Dortmund. Such a fee would likely price out the likes of Liverpool too.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Football, Jude Bellingham, Arsenal, Liverpool, England, Football World Cup, Qatar