The Athletic is claiming that both of the Premier League clubs continue to hold a strong interest in signing the 19-year-old ahead of next season as they look to bring the England international back to the Premier League.

The same story says that although Real Madrid still consider Bellingham to be a “priority signing” for them, they are aware that they may not be able to compete with the financial strength of the Premier League clubs.

According to the article, Real Madrid have been working hard on a possible deal to sign Bellingham “for months” but the Spanish club are facing competition from two of England’s top clubs.

Real Madrid will continue to push to land Bellingham this summer, but they are aware that any package they are able to offer is likely to fall short of what will be available in England, the story says.

Bellingham is widely considered to be one of English football’s most exciting prospects, and he has been a regular fixture in the Dortmund team this season, scoring 10 goals and making five assists in 24 games in all competitions.

The teenager also scored one goal and made one assist in five games for England at last year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Liverpool FC have been struggling to find consistent form this season and the Reds are currently 10th in the Premier League table and 11 points adrift of the top four.

The Merseyside outfit have lost three of their last four Premier League games and now face a serious uphill battle to get back into the Champions League qualification spots before the end of the season.

And former Aston Villa man Gabriel Agbonlahor feels that Liverpool FC – who lost 3-0 to Wolves on Saturday – will not be able to attract the likes of Bellingham if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

“I think the problem, Paul, is that you have been linked with Bellingham,” Agbonlahor told a caller on talkSPORT over the weekend.

“Liverpool fans want Bellingham in, but he is not even going to look twice at coming to Liverpool. He is going to choose Manchester City, Real Madrid, all these other teams if you are not playing in the big competitions.”

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The Blues have been heavily linked with a move to sign the 22-year-old from Benfica in recent days and widespread reports on Monday suggested that the south west London club had tabled a €120m (£105.6m) bid for the Argentina international.

Should the transfer go through at that price, it would become the British transfer record signing after Manchester City paid £100m to Aston Villa for Jack Grealish back in 2021.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea FC will be able to get a deal over the line for the defensive midfielder before Tuesday’s transfer deadline – but former Manchester United defender Ferdinand reckons that Fernandez would be an excellent signing for the south west London club.

Speaking on Vibe With Five, Ferdinand said of Fernandez: “Bad player, wicked player. He’s got it. He’s a good player. I’d be surprised if he comes in and isn’t a success.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand (Photo: BT Sport)

“He’s a top player. He was the best young player at the tournament in the World Cup I thought. He was integral for them. His passing, his composure for a young player was top, and he won’t be fazed if he handled the World Cup the way he did.

“He played at Benfica a big club in that country and the demands at the club, he’s used to pressure. The money is irrelevant if you look at it and think he could be here for five or six years. Chelsea are on a mad one.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal are reported to be closing in on the deadline-day signing of midfielder Jorginho from Chelsea FC.

Jorginho (Photo: @jorginhofrello / Instagram)

The Athletic is claiming that the north London club are targeting the Italy international after having so far failed in their attempts to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The story, written by David Ornstein, suggests that Arsenal are now keen on recruiting Jorginho, whose contract at Chelsea FC is due to expire in the summer.

Arsenal’s cause could be helped by Chelsea FC’s proposed move to sign Fernandez from Benfica as it would push Jorginho further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, the article says.

Jorginho, 31, has scored two goals in 18 Premier League appearances for Chelsea FC so far this season.

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The Italian reporter took to his personal Twitter account to deliver updates on Chelsea FC’s interest in the 22-year-old on Sunday as the Blues aim to bring the midfielder to Stamford Bridge this month.

According to Romano, Chelsea FC want to sign Fernandez “at all costs” and are willing to shell out €120m (£105m) to bring him to the south west London club before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Posting on social media on Sunday evening, Romano wrote: “Chelsea are back in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez. They want the player at all costs — Chelsea would be prepared to pay €120m fee.

“Benfica president Rui Costa has still no intention to accept — but Chelsea will insist to get the deal done now.”

The Italian journalist then followed up that Tweet by claiming that the Blues have scheduled a fresh round of negotiations with Benfica about a possible deal to bring Fernandez to the London club.

Romano also claims that the player himself would be open to a move to Stamford Bridge before the deadline.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano (Photo: Fabrizio Romano / YouTube)

Romano posted early on Monday morning: “Chelsea have scheduled new round of talks for Enzo Fernández on Monday. Full focus on getting it done, player side won’t be an issue.

“Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali and the board are on it — Chelsea will reach €120m, depends on Rui Costa.”

Fernandez was a key part of the Argentina squad who won the World Cup back in December, with the defensive midfielder having scored one goal and made one assist in seven appearances in Qatar.

He’s been a regular fixture for Benfica this season too, having netted one goal and made five assists in 17 league games for the Portuguese club.

Chelsea FC have been busy in the January transfer window so far and should Fernandez arrive at Stamford Bridge, he would become the eighth new arrival this month after Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Joao Felix, Noni Madueke and Malo Gusto all joined the Blues.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a fee to sign Chelsea Under-21s striker Jude Soonsup-Bell to their academy set-up, according to reports.

(Photo: Adobe Stock)

The Evening Standard is claiming that the 19-year-old is set to leave Chelsea FC to join Spurs, with the north London club set to offer him a long-term pathway to the first team through loans from next season.

Soonsup-Bell, who the newspaper claim is “highly regarded” at Chelsea FC, was also the subject of a similar offer from Manchester City but he is now expected to join Spurs.

Chelsea FC are back in Premier League action on Friday night when they host London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

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The Belgian striker produced a bright cameo display when he came on for the final eight minutes of Arsenal’s thrilling 3-2 win over Manchester United at The Emirates on Sunday afternoon.

It was the 28-year-old’s first appearance for the Gunners following his move to the north London club from Brighton and Hove Albion last week.

With Gabriel Jesus still sidelined, Trossard will offer Arsenal more attacking options in the coming weeks as Mikel Arteta’s men look to sustain their Premier League title challenge.

And Gunners forward Martinelli was pleased to see the club complete a move to bring Trossard to The Emirates this month.

Speaking to ESPN Brasil (via Metro), Martinelli said of Trossard: “He’ll be a very important player for us. We know his quality.

“He did very well at Brighton and will certainly help a lot. And we are trying to welcome him in the best possible way so that he can be calm and show his football.”

Trossard scored seven goals and made two assists in 16 Premier League games for Brighton this season before his switch to Arsenal last week.

Arsenal are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand over second-placed Manchester City.

They are set to take on Everton, Brentford and Manchester City in their next three Premier League games, and former Liverpool FC star Jamie Carragher believes that the Gunners have what it takes to win the title for the first time since 2004.

“It’s not just the points gap but it’s Arsenal’s performances in big games,” Carragher said on Sky Sports Monday Night Football. “They aren’t just getting over the line, they are streets ahead of the opposition.

“The Champions League will be a factor for City. Once they start getting to the quarter and semi-finals in April, those City players will be focusing on the Champions League. I just think Arsenal will pip them.”

However, Carragher’s fellow pundit Gary Neville feels that Manchester City remain as the favourites to win the title this season.

“We’re so far out – 19 games to go – to be getting asked about this,” said Neville. “I don’t think Man City have started yet – they have been messing around. Pep Guardiola has been rotating. When they start to purr, I think they’ll motor on and put pressure on Arsenal. The run-in doesn’t start until April.”

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The Gunners were thought to be close to signing Ukrainian forward Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk but ended up losing out to London rivals Chelsea FC in the race for his signature.

Arsenal continue to be linked with possible attacking signings this month as Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined with a knee injury.

According to Italian journalist Romano, there is no update on any Arsenal interest in Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha – but the Gunners remain open to bringing in new acquisitions, whether on loan or on a permanent basis.

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Romano said: “Everything is quiet on Wilfried Zaha for the moment, and Arsenal will not sign players for the sake of it.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano (Photo: Fabrizio Romano / YouTube)

“They will consider possibilities, whether on loan or permanent, but it has to be the right player. Arsenal are not afraid to spend big money despite missing out on Mykhaylo Mudryk.”

Arsenal have been deploying 23-year-old striker Eddie Nketiah as their main forward during Gabriel Jesus’s spell on the sidelines, and the English attacker has been in good form, netting five goals in his last six appearances in all competitions.

However, former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland forward Robbie Keane feels that Arsenal are in need of further reinforcements up front this month.

“I think it’s unlikely that we will see too many big-name players moving, with the possible exception being Arsenal,” Keane said earlier this week.

“If you look at them, they don’t have an out-and-out striker who they can rely on. Eddie Nketiah is doing really well for them at the moment, but he’s young. Missing Gabriel Jesus is massive for them in trying to maintain their title challenge.

“To have a chance of getting over the line ahead of Manchester City, I think they’re going to need to go and get someone who could get you 20 a season.”

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Marco Iacobucci / depositphotos.com)

Premier League leaders Arsenal will host Manchester United at The Emirates on Sunday afternoon as they look to keep up their recent good form.

The Red Devils will be without key midfielder Casemiro after the Brazilian picked up a suspension as a result of his booking in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

And Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea admits that the absence of the midfielder will be a big loss for Erik ten Hag’s side this weekend.

“One of our best players cannot play one of the best teams,” De Gea said after Wednesday’s draw at Selhurst Park. “I don’t understand why we had to play today and they didn’t, that could make the difference on Sunday. He is a big loss for us.”

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The 21-year-old French defender has been one of the mainstays in Mikel Arteta’s team this season, having started all 18 of the club’s Premier League games and scoring two goals and making one assist in the top flight.

Saliba has earned lots of praise for his solid performances at the back alongside Gabriel following his return to The Emirates in the wake of three separate loan spells in France.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal last month activated the option to extend Saliba’s contract until the summer of 2024 following his fine displays.

However, the player himself has now revealed that he is hoping to commit his future to the Gunners by agreeing a long-term deal.

“I am so happy here,” Saliba said after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday. “The club is speaking with my agent and me, the only thing I can do is (focus on my football). I am so happy here.”

William Saliba (Photo: Arsenal Media / YouTube / Screengrab)

Saliba will be expecting to start in the heart of Arsenal’s defence when the Gunners host Manchester United in the English top flight on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has lavished praise on Martin Odegaard following the Arsenal captain’s sparkling form for the Gunners this season.

Odegaard, 24, was on target in Sunday’s north London derby, with the Norway international having fired home the visitors’ second goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The former Real Madrid star has started all but one of Arsenal’s Premier League games this season and has netted eight goals in the top flight while also notching up five assists.

Rio Ferdinand (Photo: BT Sport)

Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand has been highly impressed by what he’s seen from Odegaard this term and currently rates him as the most in-form player in the Premier League.

“I’d go as far as to say right now, he’s probably my player of the year,” Ferdinand said of Odegaard on Vibe with Five. “[Erling] Haaland’s has done what he’s done, he has been great, don’t get me wrong.

“If Haaland eases up with the goals and Arsenal win the league and Odegaard continues, he’s my player of the year.”

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The Gunners had been strongly linked with a move to bring Ukraine forward Mudryk to The Emirates in the January transfer window but were pipped to his signature by London rivals Chelsea FC.

Chelsea FC confirmed the signing of the 22-year-old from Shakhtar Donetsk on Sunday in a deal reported to be worth in the region of £88.5m.

Arsenal, who were impressive 2-0 winners over north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, now have two weeks to find another potential option to bolster their frontline, with Gabriel Jesus still sidelined due to injury.

Former Arsenal midfielder Merson reckons the Gunners may well make a move to land Raphinha this month and could be helped by FC Barcelona’s financial struggles.

Asked for his take on Arsenal missing out on Mudryk, Merson told Sky Sports: “They will be very disappointed, of course they will.

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositohotos.com)

“They have been chasing him for a couple of weeks, it’s all been Arsenal talk, will they pay enough, will they go a little bit more. Then Chelsea have come from absolutely nowhere and blown Arsenal out of the water and that is what it is like.

“Now they have got to regroup again. Surely they will have had a couple of other players in the pipeline, surely they haven’t put all their eggs into one basket.

“I think they might go for Raphinha at Barcelona. Barcelona have still got to settle their books.”

Raphinha – who only joined the Spanish club from Leeds United in the summer – has scored two goals and made two assists in 15 La Liga appearances so far this season.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta reserved special praise for Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard after the Norwegian helped to fire the Gunners to victory at Spurs.

The 24-year-old netted Arsenal’s second goal in the 36th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with an accurate low strike, after Hugo Lloris’ own-goal had earlier put the Gunners in front.

Martin Odegaard (Photo: Marco Iacobucci / depositphotos.com)

Odegaard has now scored eight goals and made five assists in 17 Premier League appearances this season and his form has been one of the driving forces behind the Gunners’ title push.

And Arteta, whose side are now eight points clear at the top, praised Odegaard for his display on Sunday.

Asked to rate Odegaard’s performance against Spurs, Arteta told his post-match news conference: “Terrific. Especially in the first half, I think he was incredible.

“He’s really showing a different kind of presence, the way he’s influencing the game, just the feeling, the way he moves, what he transmits on the pitch is different and today to do what he’s done here, it’s a big credit to him.”

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Reports in recent days have linked the Red Devils with a surprise swoop to land the Netherlands striker on loan this month.

The journalist took to his personal Twitter account on Tuesday morning to reveal that the Red Devils are still hoping to snap up the 30-year-old striker, who is currently on loan at Turkish side Besiktas.

According to Romano though, Besiktas need to come to a compensation agreement with the other parties before a deal can go through.

However, the Italian reporter says that all parties are “confident” that a deal will be able to go through ahead of a fresh round of talks.

Posting on his personal Twitter account on Tuesday morning, Romano wrote: “Manchester United have scheduled a new round of talks for Wout Weghorst deal. Besiktas insist they have to agree on compensation as they’re looking for replacement.

“All parties confident as clubs positions are closer — but still waiting to get it done.”

Weghorst, who signed for English side Burnley from Wolfsburg last January, joined Besiktas on a season-long loan deal in July last year. He has scored eight goals and made four assists in 16 Super Lig appearances for Besiktas so far this season and netted twice in four appearances for The Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand feels that the Red Devils would have been better off pursuing a move for Porto striker Mehdi Taremi ahead of Weghorst.

Asked about Manchester United’s link to Weghorst, Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five show: “I’d have gone and got Taremi in from Porto.”

Iran international Taremi has scored 14 goals and made seven assists in 20 games for Porto this season, and the 30-year-old netted twice and scored one goal at the World Cup.

Meanwhile, the former England defender also urged Manchester United to pursue a move to sign Tottenham striker Harry Kane in the summer. He said: “Get Harry Kane in, Spurs fans I’m sorry, you’re not going to win anything, he isn’t going to win anything at Spurs.

“They’re in a bit of turmoil at the minute. Man United, in the summer, let’s go and find a No.9 for the next three or four years to hang our hat on, to get you 20, 25 goals a season every year, where are you going?”

He added: “You’re going to have to pay big money for Harry Kane but at least you know you’re getting a man who’s getting you 20, 25 goals a season. We can ask, ‘does he suit the play?’, the man scores 20, 25 goals. Harry Kane can’t be going anywhere but Man United.’”

Manchester United are currently preparing for their League Cup quarter-final clash against Charlton on Tuesday night at Old Trafford, before they host local rivals Manchester City in the derby showdown in front of their home fans on Saturday lunchtime.

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The Red Devils have been showing encouraging signs of progress under new boss Erik ten Hag in recent weeks, with Manchester United having won their last four Premier League games on the trot.

Ten Hag also watched his side secure their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday night thanks to their 3-1 home win over Everton.

With the January transfer window now open, the Red Devils have the option to bolster their squad in preparation for the second half of the season as they aim to finish in the top four and challenge in the cup competitions.

Manchester United currently find themselves fourth in the Premier League table after 17 games, but they have scored the fewest goals (27) of any team in the top nine positions.

Former Arsenal and England star Merson feels that the Red Devils should be doing what they can to snap up Kane, 29, from Tottenham this month to reinforce their attacking options.

Kane has already netted 15 goals and made one assist in 18 league games this term – and he has a proven track record which could help Manchester United finish the season strongly, according to Merson.

“In an age where clubs spend money for fun and world-class centre-forwards are a rarity, I would find it crazy if Manchester United did not break the bank for Harry Kane,” Merson wrote in his column for The Daily Star.

Harry Kane (Photo: Vasilis Ververidis / depositphotos.com)

“You can look all around the world, rack your brains and round up every scout within your network and the answer is right there in front of you. There is nobody that comes close to Kane that is currently available.

“If United ever want to catch Manchester City, they’ve got to go and get Kane. Everybody wants a striker and is searching far and wide but the best centre-forward is staring everybody in the face.

“He plays for a team in Tottenham that are going to win absolutely nothing and surely, sooner or later his head is going to be turned by a move again.

“I don’t know what I’m missing here. Even if he costs £150m and it’s a four or five-year contract, you are buying over 100 goals. Who else is going to give you that?

“Everyone talks about Erling Haaland but for me, Kane could deliver similar numbers in that Manchester City team and even add more assists.

“Even if he couldn’t match Haaland, he wouldn’t be far off. They create so many chances. If he signed for United and they got into the top four this season, I would expect them to start winning things.

“Call me silly but Kane would even give United a chance of winning the Champions League in my opinion. He is a machine. Tottenham are only where they are because of Harry Kane, it really is that simple. He is the difference.”

Arsenal legend Paul Merson (Photo: Sky Sports)

With Manchester United having been in good form under Ten Hag in recent weeks, the Dutchman says that his side are simply taking each game as it comes rather than looking at the bigger picture and the silverware on offer to the Red Devils this season.

Speaking at his post-match news conference on Friday night, Ten Hag said: “Manchester United is always aiming for trophies. We are going for that, but you can’t force this, we have to wait for it.

“We have to focus on the next game and not think about trophies. It’s far ahead, we have to work on the team, we have to work on the progress and development, and that is the only focus point at this moment.

“I think we have that [ability to win trophies]. We can fight, we can fight back if it’s necessary, and that is important. We can act composed and stay composed, so we have resilience. I think we have a lot of good skills in the team to win games so we can also win prizes.”

Next up for Manchester United is their EFL Cup quarter-final clash against Charlton at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

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The reporter took to his personal Twitter account early on Wednesday morning to update Blues fans about the transfer situation. According to the journalist, Chelsea FC and Benfica “spent the whole night” in negotiations about a deal for the 21-year-old but no agreement has yet been reached.

Romano said that talks were due to continue on Wednesday with a view to getting the deal over the line, as Chelsea FC aim to bolster their squad this month.

Posting on Twitter, Romano said: “Enzo Fernandez deal update. Chelsea and Benfica spent the whole night in negotiations — but there’s still no full agreement on key details, still waiting for Rui Costa’s green light.

“Talks will continue on Wednesday. The player wants the move, but he’s now waiting too.”

Defensive midfielder Fernandez was part of Argentina’s World Cup winning squad in Qatar, with the Benfica man having scored one goal and made one assist in seven appearances at the tournament.

He has been a regular fixture in the Benfica side this season, scoring one goal and making three assists in 14 league games for the Portuguese club, as well as notching up one assist in five Champions League outings.

There have been claims in recent days that Chelsea FC could be willing to shell out as much as €120m – which is believed to be the value of Fernandez’s release clause – to sign the midfielder this month.

However, former Liverpool FC star Steve Nicol feels that the suggested transfer fee for the Argentina international is over the top.

Nicol told ESPN: “Am I the only person that’s thinking, ‘what’s wrong with Chelsea?’ You are going to spend €120m on Enzo Fernandez? Am I the only person thinking that? €120m?!

Graham Potter (Photo: Marco Canoniero / depositphotos.com)

“He’s a hot property? Cody Gakpo is a hot property, he scores goals and Liverpool got him for £37m. I am sorry, Enzo Fernandez had a great World Cup and he’s a good player. But €120m? When your problems and struggles are going forward – I think they have everything upside down at Chelsea.

“You are going to waste €120m. Their problems are going forward and Fernandez is going to do nothing for you going forward. Am I the only one that thinks €120m is crazy for this guy?”

Chelsea FC, who have only won one of their last five Premier League games, will return to top-flight action when they welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.

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