EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal eye Jobe Bellingham amid gentleman’s agreement

Steve Kay

Updated: 7 Jan 2025 07:33 GMT
3 min read

Arsenal have set their sights on Sunderland's 19-year-old midfield prodigy Jobe Bellingham as they plan for a midfield overhaul in the coming transfer windows.

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Securing a young, dynamic midfielder has become a top priority for manager Mikel Arteta, with uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

Partey has yet to commit to a proposed one-year extension with an option for an additional year, while Jorginho is considering transitioning into a coaching role at the Emirates at the end of the season - two developments first reported by FootballTransfers.

STATS

Jobe Bellingham

M, DM (C)

Sunderland

Jobe Bellingham

M, DM (C)

Sunderland

23

Games
4

Goals
4

Assists

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According to sources, Arsenal scouts are closely monitoring Bellingham, who has impressed with his versatility and composure in Sunderland’s midfield.

It is understood that the Championship club struck a gentleman’s agreement with the England U21 international during his contract negotiations last summer, allowing him to depart for a Premier League club should a suitable offer arise.

Bellingham has steadily built a reputation as one of the most promising young talents in English football. Following the trail blazed by his brother, Jude, who is currently starring at Real Madrid, he rose through the ranks at Birmingham City before making the switch to Sunderland, where he has continued to shine.

With Arsenal looking to inject fresh energy and long-term options into their midfield, Bellingham’s profile and potential could make him an ideal candidate for Mikel Arteta’s evolving project. Whether the Gunners will act on their interest remains to be seen, but Bellingham’s name is certainly one to watch.

What can Arsenal expect from Jobe Bellingham?

Jobe Bellingham has primarily been a ball-winning midfielder for Sunderland this season, having occupied a more box-to-box role last term.

He has not exploded onto the scene in the same way that Jude managed, although he already has 11 Championship goals for the Black Cats and has won a couple of England U21 caps.

© IMAGO - Bellingham has the potential to become a first-team regular at Arsenal

Data analytics firm SciSports predict that Bellingham, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €13.4 million, can become a regular first-team member of the Arsenal squad having developed his game “significantly” over the course of the last six months.