How has Jude Belingham reacted to Real Madrid’s show of force against Liverpool? It depends who you believe. A lack of Champions League football could also cost them an Italy defender…
BELLINGHAM SWAYED – OR NOT – BY REAL MAULING
Inevitably after the Jude Bellingham derby on Tuesday night comes speculation over how Real Madrid’s 5-2 humping of Liverpool has affected the Borussia Dortmund midfielder’s thinking over his future.
According to Fichajes, Real’s show of strength has Bellingham leaning towards Madrid. Apparently, the holders’ dominance in the Champions League could be one of the biggest factors when he comes to decide where he’ll play from next season.
But The Athletic reckons Bellingham hasn’t been put off joining Liverpool just because they’ve been bobbins of late. The England midfielder still rates the Reds and Jurgen Klopp. Decide for yourself who you want to believe.
LIVERPOOL LINKED WITH ITALY CENTRE-BACK
As well as at least one midfielder, Liverpool will also need a centre-half this summer, with their defending of late being ‘absolutely shambolic’.
Alessandro Bastoni is on their list, according to Fichajes, which sure is handy for the Italian’s agent while he attempts to negotiate a new contract for his client.
The 23-year-old is due to enter the final year of his deal at the San Siro this summer but Liverpool’s hopes of landing Bastoni could be hampered by a lack of Champions League involvement. Spurs are also said to be watching the defender.
ARSENAL FAILED IN RAPHINHA MOVE
There are more whispers this morning of Arsenal’s interest in Declan Rice. The Gunners have to hope their pursuit of the England midfielder goes rather better than their attempts to sign Raphinha.
Arsenal wanted to sign the Brazilian from Leeds last summer but Barcelona won the race for the winger. Barely six months had Raphinha been at the Nou Camp, though, and the talk was that Barca were willing to sell as they juggled their books.
The Gunners wanted Mykhaylo Mudryk but when the Ukraine star opted for Chelsea, Edu and Mikel Arteta refocused their attention on Raphinha. Indeed, Sport claims Arsenal offered £62million for the 26-year-old but Barca chose to reject their advances.
Instead, Arsenal paid £27million for Leandro Trossard. But Barca might re-list Raphinha since, according to 90min, Joan Laporta is increasingly confident of bringing Lionel Messi back to the Nou Camp in the summer and, we assume, the Argentina star won’t accept his salary being paid in crypto fan tokens and good vibes.
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