Arsene Wenger has backed Arsenal transfer target Jude Bellingham to join Real Madrid over the summer as the 19-year-old weighs up his options ahead of increasing speculation regarding his future.
Having starred for England at the World Cup in Qatar it has been reported that Borussia Dortmund will hold out for over £120m in order to sign the midfield star. That would make him a Premier League record buy should he move, overtaking Enzo Fernandez's £106.8m deadline day deal taking him to Chelsea.
Arsenal are not expected to match bids up to that price but have expressed their interest in the player with Manchester City and Liverpool also keen on a move. Madrid, as the global attraction they continue to be, have a big advantage over the competition, Wenger believes.
READ MORE: Martin Odegaard video proves criticism of Arsenal players' treatment of mascot is misplaced
Speaking to beIN Sports, the former Gunners boss explained their current stance in the market, saying: "They will be on the market for one or two stars because that's the DNA of Real Madrid. They get as well, pressure on the big sponsors by saying to Adidas to Nike, if we bring the biggest stars we're going to raise the sponsorship so they will do that."
Los Blancos, having changed their approach from world superstars slightly in recent years, have favoured youth promise and quality over the biggest of big names in the sport. Bellingham, as with Eduardo Camavinga, Vinicius Jr and Aurelien Tchouameni before him, is a mix of the two.
It is that which creates such a tough situation for Arsenal to enter into, being without the same economic might as the Spanish giants. "Before, they were the most powerful financial power on the market," Wenger added. "They are not anymore but they still make great decisions."
Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti have managed to combine experience, promise and star quality into one of the best functioning units across the world game. Adding Bellingham would only enhance that position and Wenger, who has worked closely with FIFA, is a smart man and certainly a figure to listen to.
As for his former club, Arsenal do have other alternatives for the centre of the park but managing to snap up Bellingham would be one of the biggest coups in their history should it be pulled off.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal given William Saliba injury blow with defender unlikely to make Southampton
Arsenal learn William Saliba injury update ahead of Southampton Premier League clash
Arsenal urged to complete Sadio Mane transfer after touching Bukayo Saka moment
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Arsenal stars can return vs Southampton as William Saliba hope remains
Arsenal handed Premier League title boost vs Man City just when Mikel Arteta needs it most
