Rio Ferdinand savagely hit back at a claim from Joleon Lescott that suggested Arsenal may be able to attract Jude Bellingham next summer.
Bellingham is expected to be at the centre of a huge bidding war with Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid and both Manchester clubs all keen on signing the 19-year-old. The England international is considered to be one of the most talented midfielders in Europe and Borussia Dortmund are set to receive a number of eye-watering offers for their star player next summer.
The Bundesliga outfit slapped an enormous £131million asking price on Bellingham over the summer transfer window but could be forced to sell him next summer with the young talent keen to take the next step in his career.
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Real Madrid are thought to be in pole position to land the teenager's signature after entering 'advanced talks'. Club president Florentino Perez is also believed to be ready to submit an opening offer of around £87million to secure his services - though that would be unlikely to be anywhere near enough to seal a deal.
Nevertheless, former Manchester City and Everton centre-back Lescott thinks that the Gunners will be able to attract someone like Bellingham next summer as they're finally likely to return to Champions League action.
Speaking to BT Sport, the former England international claimed: "If Arsenal manage to get top four, which I think they do, then they attract a whole different calibre of player.
"I can see people like Jude Bellingham deciding over them [Liverpool and Real Madrid]. If you are looking at Liverpool, who potentially may or may not make top four, and Arsenal you're thinking, 'They've got Champions League'.
"Now all of a sudden you are attracting a different calibre of player. I'm not saying he is [going to Arsenal]. But his decision is going to be based on Champions League, in terms of the stature of the club it's going to have to be relevant and match his ambitions."
But after hearing Lescott's opinion, Ferdinand laughed off the suggestion and told him: "Jude Bellingham isn't going to Arsenal bruv!"
Lescott hit back by saying: "I am not saying he is, but his decision is going to be based on Champions League, in terms of the stature of the club it's going to have to be relevant and match his ambitions."
It'll be interesting to see where Bellingham ends up. If it surprisingly is Arsenal, then Ferdinand may have to consider apologising to Lescott.
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