Transfer season is in full flow, and the latest gossip is that Chelsea is making a serious bid to sign Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham. AC Milan is negotiating with Christian Pulisic on a fresh long-term contract, while Manchester City are working on a potential summer signing of Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz. Here is a closer look at the latest transfer news as clubs gear up to make blockbuster signings.
Chelsea Enters Jobe Bellingham Chase
Chelsea has reportedly set its sights on signing Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, the 19-year-old midfielder who has been attracting several Premier League and European clubs. Chelsea is purportedly preparing an enormous bid to outdo Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Borussia Dortmund, which have all been following the talented player, claims The Sun.
Bellingham's younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has impressed scouts with his vision, maturity, and creativity on the field. Chelsea's pursuit is part of their policy of developing young, homegrown talent to build a team capable of competing for domestic and European honors.
Manchester United, who have been pursuing Bellingham for months, might have to move quickly to get him on their books. United is also reportedly interested in Sunderland teammate Chris Rigg and Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney as part of United's search for English talent (TalkSport).
AC Milan Offers Pulisic a Contract Extension
Christian Pulisic has become a permanent presence at AC Milan following his summer move from Chelsea in 2023. The Serie A giants now desire to retain him in their books until 2029 as they aim to secure his services in the long term. Milan's management, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, understands Pulisic's impact and is eager to retain him with the club as Premier League sides show more interest.
The 26-year-old American winger has been key to Milan's front line, providing creativity and versatility on the flanks. His technical ability and work rate have won over the hearts of the fans, and his displays have helped Milan keep pace in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.
Pulisic is signed until 2027, but Milan would prefer to add more years to ensure stability in their team. With the potential extension hanging over the head of the American star, the Rossoneri are making Pulisic aware that he is a key component of their long-term project.
Manchester City Eyes Florian Wirtz
Manchester City are negotiating with Bayer Leverkusen's agents for 21-year-old attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, with a possible summer transfer on the cards. The highly rated young sensation has been one of Europe's brightest young talents, with Bayern Munich and other elite clubs also interested.
According to Football Insider, City is on the trail to sign young, creative midfielders that are fit for Pep Guardiola's system. Wirtz's vision, control, and goal-scoring capability make him ideal to thrive under Guardiola's system.
But Wirtz's competition is also going to be strong, with Bayern Munich also keen on bringing him back to Germany. Leverkusen will definitely demand a heavy transfer fee, given Wirtz's added value in the European game.
Manchester United's English Talent Recruitment Strategy
Manchester United is said to be targeting signing English players for the next transfer window. The club's recruitment director Christopher Vivell has got a 14-man shortlist of home-grown players that focuses on youngsters with lower pay and good characters.
According to TalkSport, the shortlist includes Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori, Keane Lewis-Potter, Tariq Lamptey, Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham, Adam Wharton, Carney Chukwuemeka, Jacob Ramsey, Harvey Elliott, Tyler Dibling, Tammy Abraham, Liam Delap, and Ollie Watkins.
This is consistent with United's desire to build a British core in the team, as have the best Manchester United teams of yesteryear. But Chelsea are keen on signing Bellingham, and United may have to move quickly to acquire their players.
The Bellingham Brothers: Football's Most Valuable Siblings
Jude and Jobe Bellingham are now two of the sport's most valuable twins, whose aggregate market value stands at approximately £164 million. Jude has been a revelation to Real Madrid, while Jobe's recent performances for Sunderland have made him England's most touted young midfielder.
According to The Sun (Football's Most Valuable Brothers), the Bellinghams are among the most expensive footballing brothers, with other high-profile brothers such as Kylian and Ethan Mbappé.
As Chelsea and Manchester United battle over signing Jobe, the younger Bellingham may also follow in his brother's footsteps and obtain a top-dollar transfer to one of the premier clubs.
Conclusion
This summer window is going to be intriguing, with Chelsea going aggressively for the signing of Jobe Bellingham, AC Milan closing Christian Pulisic's contract and Manchester City targeting Florian Wirtz. Manchester United's recruitment of English players also suggests a shift in their transfer strategy.
As clubs finalize their transfer windows, fans should expect more turns and twists before deals are done. Stay tuned for more details as the transfer drama goes on.
