Chelsea could hold a potentially key advantage in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund and England international midfielder Jude Bellingham, according to reports. It comes as the youngster is anticipated to be part of a heated transfer battle next summer, with plenty of clubs monitoring a switch.
The 19-year-old continues to impress for Dortmund, having recently captained them both in the Bundesliga and the Champions League at such a young age. His performances for the Three Lions as of late have also gained plenty of attention, driving the team forward at times.
"He thinks like a man, plays like a man and shows personality and character," Previous transfer target Declan Rice said of his international teammate recently. "He's the future of English football for the next 15 years if he wants to be. He is a top lad as well — he really pushes you on the pitch. We push each other on, and it's a privilege to play next to him. I'm still only 23!"
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It's high praise for the youngster. However, with that expectation comes challenges as the likes of Liverpool, and Manchester United continue to be linked with a switch. It means the Blues have to find ways to show they are the best option of the bunch, with Todd Boehly already doing just that.
According to Sportbild, via Sportswitness, the Blues are willing to pay over £87million to land the youngster, while the American businessman is already said to be putting in the groundwork to get a move done. That work has included plenty of contact with Dortmund, laying out the intentions to make a move.
It's a transfer trick that the part-owner did plenty of during the summer, using his interpersonal relationship tools to talk to potential signings as well as other club owners and agents. There was plenty of praise for it too, becoming famous for hosting dinners that would include business talk.
It remains to be seen if this will truly give them a long-term advantage in the transfer race, but it's a trick that has certainly worked in the past.
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