Agbonlahor suggests new ‘twist’ in Man City pursuit of Jude Bellingham as deal close
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested there may be another “twist” in the race for Man City target Jude Bellingham – despite reports claiming he is close to signing for Real Madrid.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted City won’t “hang around” and let Bellingham, 19, and Declan Rice, 24, join their rivals.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano (3 May), Bellingham is “close” to completing a move to Real Madrid with personal terms “almost agreed”.
The Borussia Dortmund star has been a long-term target for Premier League giants Man City and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Thursday (4 May) that Arsenal are confident of securing the signing of Rice this summer – despite West Ham’s £100million asking price.
Man City star Ilkay Gundogan, 32, has been widely linked with a move to Barcelona with his contract at the Etihad Stadium set to expire next month.
Agbonlahor backed City to “win the treble” in 2022-23 before launching another transfer window assault.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I still think there will be twists and turns in the race for Bellingham.
“He’s not signed a contract, so Man City will keep trying.
“I can’t see why he’d turn down Real Madrid as a 19-year-old, but you never know.
“They are not going to sit still. I think they’ll win the treble this season and go again – and they need midfielders.
“They’re not going to hang around and let Bellingham and Rice go to their rivals.”
In other news, Man City FFP update as Premier League to rip up the rulebook.