Jude Bellingham could have joined Arsenal before Borussia Dortmund move

Former England captain Tony Adams has revealed that Jude Bellingham came close to joining Arsenal before his move to Borussia Dortmund.

Tony Adams, who spent nearly two decades playing for Arsenal, has said that his former club had a deal in place to sign Jude Bellingham. But the move did not materialise as a result of the arrival of new sporting director Edu Gaspar in July 2019. The 17 year old ended up joining Borussia Dortmund from hometown club Birmingham City last summer, with the Black and Yellows beating the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester United for his signature.

"“I think it got lost this one, in the transition of the chief scout at Arsenal going out,” Adams said on Tuesday. “He was spotted very early on, not by me, but by the Arsenal recruitment office. The chief scout was absolutely bowled over by him (Bellingham) and the great prospect that he is.”“The sporting director Edu, coming from Brazil had no European and UK experience and I think it got lost in the transition. Unfortunately the chief scout had the deal in place but we missed that one. He’s a great talent but unfortunately he hasn’t joined the right club.”"

Arsenal’s loss is certainly Borussia Dortmund’s gain. Bellingham has made an excellent start to life at Borussia Dortmund, and has established himself as one of Europe’s most talented midfielders. He has made eleven appearances in all competitions for Der BVB so far this season, and has one goal and two assists to his name.

Bellingham’s performances have helped him earn his maiden call-up to the England senior team, and he could become the third youngest player to ever play for the Three Lions if he makes his debut during the current international break. Sky Sports say that England head coach Gareth Southgate is determined to fast-track Bellingham, as he sees him as a key player for the national team in the not too distant future.

Bellingham has a very bright future ahead of him, and there is no doubt that the Borussia Dortmund midfielder will be a star player for both club and country for years to come.