Tony Adams claims Arsenal were once close to Jude Bellingham move

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Tony Adams has told Sky Sports that a deal to bring Jude Bellingham to Arsenal was all but done before Edu’s arrival at the Emirates in 2019.

Bellingham has established himself as one of the brightest talents in Europe in recent times. He was outstanding at Birmingham City last season. And the 17-year-old could soon receive his first cap for England having received a call-up to the senior squad for this break.

The call-up comes just a few months after his £25 million move to Borussia Dortmund (via Sky Sports). But Arsenal legend Adams has claimed that had events played out differently, the teenager could have been at the Emirates by now.

“He was spotted very early on, not by me, but by the Arsenal recruitment office. The chief scout was absolutely bowled over by him and the great prospect that he is,” he told Sky Sports. “New sporting director Edu came in from Brazil, he had no European experience and no UK experience and I think it got lost in the transition.

“Unfortunately, the chief scout had the deal kind of done but we missed that one. He’s a great talent but unfortunately, he’s not joined the right club.”

TBR View: Edu may be left to kick himself

It would have been a remarkable deal had Arsenal managed to sign Bellingham. The youngster is already making an impact for Dortmund. He has started four Bundesliga games already, and has featured in the Champions League.

It is a real shame therefore, that the Gunners did not bring the starlet in. He looks destined for an incredible career and it would have been a huge statement had Arsenal got a deal across the line.

And if Adams is correct about a move being so close, Edu may be left to kick himself over the coming years as he watches Bellingham develop with Dortmund and England.