The Jude Bellingham transfer saga has taken another twist which could heavily impact the immediate decisions of Liverpool and Chelsea, with Real Madrid now leading the race for his signature. All three clubs have held a long-term interest in the talented teenager and Madrid look to be in pole position to add him to their stacked midfield.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool are in desperate need of a significant rebuild in the centre of the pitch with the Blues' Jorginho and N'golo Kante looking likely to depart Stamford Bridge in the summer upon the expiration of their contracts.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are in search of a fresh boost in their midfielder department with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho struggling to remain fit for long periods of time.
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The addition of Bellingham to the Premier League either for Chelsea or Liverpool looked destined to come true despite interest from Madrid, especially with the transfer hints dropped on England duty at the World Cup particularly with Liverpool's Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, the latest report from Marca indicates that Madrid have taken the lead over the Premier League sides in the Bellingham transfer race. Their report notes that Bellingham is Madrid's priority for next season and that the club's relationship with his current club Borussia Dortmund is excellent, which may give them an advantage in negotiations.
While Chelsea and Liverpool may use Bellingham to begin their mass midfield overhaul, the 19-year-old will likely complete Madrid's. The trio of Casemiro, Luke Modric and Toni Kroos dominated European football for a number of years, although following Casemiro's departure and recent Madrid acquisitions, their days appear numbered.
Eduardo Camavinga arrived in Spain in 2021, with Aurelien Tchouameni joining the following summer, and Bellingham could be Madrid's marquee signing in the summer of 2023, which would likely mean Carlo Ancelotti will not need to look at bolstering his midfield for some time.
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