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Manchester City are becoming increasingly confident in their chances of signing England and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham this summer according to recent reports.
The highly coveted 19-year-old is generally anticipated to leave the Bundesliga for greener pastures ahead of the 2023-24 season, having amassed 20 goals and 24 assists in 124 appearances across all competitions over the course of three successful seasons.
Bellingham and his representatives are expected to meet with Borussia Dortmund executives over the international break to discuss his future at the club, with BVB still hoping to extend his current deal beyond June 2025.
Man City Frontrunners to Sign Bellingham this Summer
Pep Guardiola’s Man City is rumored to be pursuing three high-priced players this summer in a slight squad revamp, and Bellingham is now reported to be one of the side’s top targets.
Manchester City is not the only big European team interested in signing him, however.
Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid are also rumored to be interested in signing the German midfielder, who is currently valued at £133 million.
According to a recent report, Liverpool are “increasingly unlikely” to recruit the England international this summer, despite previously being viewed as one of the frontrunners in the fight for Bellingham.
Since last summer, Jurgen Klopp’s side have been heavily linked with a move for the former Birmingham player as they have struggled with their current midfield.
Now, ESPN have reported that Man City are feeling increasingly confident in their ability to sign Bellingham, despite the fact that Real Madrid still remain firmly in the running for his signature.
Even if Dortmund are anxious to keep their top player for another year, the Etihad Stadium and Santiago Bernabeu remain the most likely destinations for Bellingham this summer, as he looks to compete at a higher level and win silverware.
Likely Gundogan Departure Increases Likeliness of Move for Bellingham
If club captain Ilkay Gundogan departs when his contract expires at the end of the season, Man City will likely intensify their pursuit of Bellingham.
City are reportedly willing to let the 32-year-old leave following seven seasons at the Etihad, with Barcelona eager to sign him on a free transfer.
Bernardo Silva, who admitted in January that he is open to starting a “new chapter” in his career, has also been linked to a summer exit from Manchester City.
Barcelona is believed to have had an interest in the 28-year-old for some time, but they may be unable to pay a transfer fee of around £70 million due to their current financial difficulties.
Real Madrid could sign the Portugal international if they fail to sign Bellingham this summer, according to ESPN.
The report by the American outlet also indicates that Los Blancos are monitoring Celta Vigo’s 20-year-old standout Gabri Veiga, as Carlo Ancelotti is anticipated to remodel his midfield prior to the upcoming season.
With their contracts expiring in less than four months, it remains to be seen whether Luka Modric, 37, and Toni Kroos, 33, will continue to play for the club after this season.
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