Arsenal's former scout Francis Cagigao has revealed why the club were unable to sign Jude Bellingham for a fraction of his current price several years ago. The 19-year-old appears to be on the verge of a transfer that will almost certainly be the highest fee paid for a British player ever as top clubs circle for his signature in 2023.
The Gunners are expected to be among those trying to prize the talented midfielder away from Borussia Dortmund in the summer but face serious competition from Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, to name a few. Bellingham starred at the World Cup for England over the winter, only adding to his already lofty value.
Having seen 22-year-old young player of the tournament Enzo Fernandez move for £106.8m in January, that is merely a guideline for the price likely to be attached to Bellingham. Although he has remained calm on his future, refusing to be drawn into transfer talk, the speculation continues to revolve around him regardless.
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Such is the discourse when a massive price tag is put on a young player fans ponder why they haven't been signed earlier by their club. Bellingham, who moved to Germany two years ago, is no different. As one of the top rated teenagers in the country he was courted over by many sides. Arsenal were one of those but Cagigao has revealed why things didn't progress at the time.
"I saw him for the first time when he was 16 years old," the current Chile sporting director told AS. "I wanted to sign him for Arsenal, but he was already too expensive."
Bellingham eventually moved for over £20m despite his junior age but has since gone on to become value for money in Germany. As for other stars that could have been at the Emirates Stadium, Lionel Messi was another they looked at.
"Messi’s situation was not regulated and it was impossible for him to have a work permit in the UK," Cagigao added. "We had several meetings with Horacio Gaggioli, his representative at the time, but it was impossible.
"The Pique thing was not done due to a somewhat complex bureaucratic issue. In the end we signed Cesc Fabregas from that great Barca cadet team."
The attention now turns to Bellingham for the summer and it will take a lot more than his initial valuation to secure him a move back to England now. Arsenal themselves have other options including Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo which could open up the door for some midfielder transfer merry-go-round.
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