Sunderland's January transfer stance revealed as Arsenal interest eye star | OneFootball

Jobe Bellingham has a contract with Sunderland until the summer of 2028

Arsenal are one of a number of clubs tracking Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham but the Black Cats have no plans to cash in on the rising star.

According to TBR Football, the Gunners are keeping tabs on the 19-year-old, with the January transfer window now open.

Bellingham has enjoyed an impressive first half of the campaign with the Black Cats, playing a key role in their rise to becoming promotion contenders.

The youngster, who originally joined the club in the summer of 2023 from Birmingham City, has made 22 appearances this league season, contributing four goals and three assists.

Arsenal eye Jobe Bellingham

Arsenal are the latest club to emerge with an interest in Bellingham, with the likes of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund also previously linked with a possible move.

However, it is understood that Sunderland have no plans to cash in on the midfielder at this time.

Bellingham has cemented himself as a crucial part of Régis Le Bris’ first-team plans, with the club in pursuit of a place back in the Premier League this term.

The England U21 international has a contract with the Wearside outfit until the summer of 2028, meaning the club are in no immediate rush to cash in on the player.

Bellingham made 45 appearances in the Championship in his debut campaign for Sunderland, bagging seven goals in the process, with the team coming 16th in the table.

Sunderland’s promotion push

Le Bris’ arrival in the summer has led to the club climbing back up the standings, with promotion to the top flight on the agenda in 2025.

Given that context, a January sale is seen as unlikely for Sunderland’s youngest stars, including Chris Rigg.

However, there is an expectation that a move could be agreed in the summer if the club fails to go up.

Sunderland are currently fourth in the Championship table, five points behind leaders Leeds United.

Bellingham sale in January wouldn’t make sense for Sunderland

Given Sunderland’s promotion push, the club should be doing everything it can to keep hold of its best talent.

While the Black Cats have built a model that relies on selling their young players for a big profit, there is no reason why they can’t wait until the summer to do this.

Arsenal would be a great opportunity for Bellingham, and there’s no doubt that he’d be interested if a concrete offer was made but, similarly, a summer move would just make the most sense for all involved.

If he can continue performing and developing with this consistent game time at Sunderland, then he should expect these big-name clubs to retain their interest into the end of the season.