Chelsea are already attempting to beat the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund next summer, according to reports.
Since his move to the Bundesliga side from Birmingham City in 2020, central midfielder has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in world football.
Bellingham signed for Dortmund at just 17-years-old, but has performed at such a high level in the top flight of German football.
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His performances for the side have also earned him his first caps for the England national team, with his appearance in the 3-3 draw against Germany earlier in the week being the 17th for his country.
As a result, Bellingham has attracted the attention of some of Europe’s top sides, with Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Liverpool being heavily linked with the player in recent months.
Champions League holders Madrid are also keeping tabs on him, with a transfer battle set to take place in the coming months.
Despite the interest from some of the Blues’ competitors, it appears as though they are ready to enter the race for the midfielder.
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According to The Telegraph, the club have started to ‘make inroads’ in the player’s camp over a potential move next summer.
Chelsea have already been told that both Liverpool and Madrid are ahead of them in the race for Bellingham, but co-owner Todd Boehly is said to not be discouraged by these warnings.
With the American still acting as the club’s interim sporting director, with their search for a permanent appointment still taking place, he is set to make enquiries about the player himself.
Other reports have suggested that Chelsea are willing to prepare a deal that would be structured in a ‘very preferable manner’ for Dortmund.
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Even if a transfer for Bellingham does not take place at Stamford Bridge, the Blues are still thought to be preparing to bring in new midfielders.
Denis Zakaria signed for the club on loan from Juventus on Deadline Day, and Conor Gallagher has been included in the first team following his loan spell at Crystal Palace last season.
However, Chelsea could be set to lose out on two of their most experienced players in the position next summer.
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Both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante will see their contracts expire in 2023 should they not choose to extend their stays in west London.
As a result, the club are already looking at potential new midfielders.
Edson Alvarez was a suggested name for a move on Deadline Day, but a transfer did not materialise and he has remained at Ajax, although a January move could take place.
Moises Caicedo is also thought to be a target, a player who Chelsea boss Graham Potter worked with at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Jude Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Liverpool
Robert Calcutt