Arsenal 'serious contenders' to sign next Jude Bellingham

4 Oct 2026 07:00 CDT 2 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Arsenal are reportedly “serious contenders” to sign Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Justin Ejodamen, who is being tracked by a host of European giants.

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The 15-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of Dortmund’s brightest young prospects and he has already been widely compared to England superstar Jude Bellingham, who spent three years at the club before his €127 million transfer to Real Madrid in 2023.

AC Milan, Barcelona, Chelsea and Juventus are all tracking his progress in Germany and Arsenal have now joined the race for his signature, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

Dortmund are confident of retaining the teenager given the pedigree as one of the best clubs in Europe for developing young talent, but interest in Ejodamen is rising and it’s reported that Arsenal will be in a strong position to secure his services if he becomes available next year.

The Italy youth international, who is also eligible for Germany and Nigeria, currently plays for Dortmund’s U16 side and it’s understood that he is likely to be offered a long-term contract by the German giants when he turns 16 years old next April.

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Arsenal’s transfer plan for 2027

While Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Ejodamen, it’s highly unlikely that he will be considered a priority signing next year, with Arteta’s side expected to significantly bolster their first-team squad yet again in 2027.

Signing a new attacker is regarded as the Gunners’ primary objective in the transfer market next year, having failed in their pursuits of Vinicius Junior, Morgan Rogers and Julian Alvarez over the summer.

Christos Tzolis was purchased to become the club’s new first-choice left winger, however the Arsenal hierarchy are keeping a close eye on a host of forward options, with Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi regarded as one of their top targets following an outstanding debut season in the Premier League last year.

The north London giants have also been heavily linked with a move for Como defender Jacobo Ramon in recent weeks, although it remains to be seen whether they will seriously pursue a deal after adding Ezri Konsa to their ranks this summer.