Jude Bellingham: Arsenal reach major decision as Arteta stance causes Liverpool, West Ham ripple effects

Arsenal have reportedly reached a major decision on entering the transfer chance for Jude Bellingham as the race to sign the £120m-rated teenager reaches fever pitch.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is among one of the world’s most sought-after stars right now. Having moved to the Bundesliga in summer 2020, he has taken his game on to new heights, establishing himself as one of the best in the business and a regular for his country.

Playing in a more advanced role than previous this season, he has 10 goals and five assists from 34 appearances so far.

And with demand for his services higher than ever, Dortmund are understandably seek a huge £120m fee for the 19-year-old this summer.

That chase is seemingly being led by Liverpool, who are desperate to sign Bellingham as part of a midfield rebuild.

Competition though is tough with Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid also sniffing around a potential deal.

Providing the latest on the saga, we revealed earlier this week that Dortmund could look to blindside all his suitors with a shock move.

One team, though, who have only been mentioned as having an outside chance of signing Bellingham is Arsenal.

But with the Gunners seeking a new midfielder themselves this summer, some would argue they could be considered dark horses in the transfer chase.

However, the Daily Telegraph now claims Arsenal have reached a decision on a possible move for Bellingham.

And while the possibility of making a move for the 24-cap England man has been discussed, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has now decided against a move.

READ MORE ~ Exclusive: Edu in a rush to tie down Arsenal star Arteta loves as PSG lurk with mega-money offer

Arteta rules out Bellingham for two reasons

Per their report, the Telegraph claims Arsenal will not join the hunt for Bellingham for two reasons.

Firstly, Bellingham’s transfer fee – likely to be well around £120m if there is a bidding war – is simply too great for Arsenal to match.

Former Arsenal scout Francis Cagigao revealed earlier this year that he had urged Arsenal to sign Bellingham when he was leaving Birmingham City. As for a move this summer, he admitted his fee is already beyond Arsenal’s reach.

“I saw him for the first time when he was 16 years old,” Cagigao told AS.

“I wanted to sign him for Arsenal, but he was already too expensive.

“He is very good. What is clear is that if a club have paid that amount for Enzo [Fernandez], a club is also going to pay that for Bellingham.”

Arsenal confidence at signing Declan Rice instead

The second reason behind Arsenal’s stance not to move for Bellingham is that Arteta is instead ready to go all in on a summer move instead for Declan Rice.

The West Ham man is also a likely mover this summer having made clear his desire to play at a higher lever.

And with the Gunners soon likely to confirm Champions League football, and with the player seemingly willing to stay in London, they look to have a golden chance to seal his signature.

And even though any fee for Rice will also likely come in at around £100m, Arteta seems to feel a deal is within their grasp.

For that factor alone, Arsenal are ready to put all their eggs into the Rice transfer basket.

As a result, that will leave Liverpool slugging it out with the other big guns to sign Bellingham, leaving Arsenal – hopefully – with a clearer and easier run at landing Rice.

READ MORE ~ Transfer Gossip: Arsenal to eclipse Liverpool to mega-money signing of Real Madrid star