Arsenal missed Jude Bellingham transfer after Edu’s arrival as technical director, Tony Adams claims

The teenager is in line for a first senior cap over the next two weeks

Jude Bellingham of Dortmund (Friedemann Vogel - Pool/Getty Im)

England have called up 17-year-old Jude Bellingham to the senior national team after an injury to James Ward-Prowse - and ex-Arsenal captain Tony Adams says he should have been lining up for the Gunners this term.

The former Birmingham City teenager was heavily linked with a Premier League move this past summer, with Manchester United particularly keen, but he eventually opted for the Bundesliga and Borussia Dortmund.

There, he has played six times in the league already as well as making appearances in the Champions League, with his England call-up further justifying his choice to head overseas.

But it could have been very different if Arsenal’s original plans had been followed through, claims Adams, who says Edu Gaspar’s arrival at the club put the brakes on the move.

“It got lost this one in the transition of the chief scout at Arsenal going out,” Adams said on Sky Sports.

"He was spotted very early on by the recruitment office and the chief scout was absolutely bowled over by the great prospect that he is.

"Our new sports director Edu, coming from Brazil had no European or UK experience and it got lost.

"Unfortunately the chief scout had the deal done but we missed that one.

“He’s a great talent but unfortunately has not joined the right club!”

Arsenal did manage to sign midfielder Thomas Partey in the summer, but failed in a move for Houssem Aouar who remained at Lyon. 

The Gunners are 11th, with four wins and four defeats so far this season.