Chelsea Jude Bellingham transfer rumors are back on seemingly out of nowhere

Chelsea are expected to be sellers for the rest of the transfer window, but that’s not stopping a transfer rumor concerning Jude Bellingham from popping up.

Jude Bellingham is one of several young British talents to leave the Premier League for opportunities in the Bundesliga. Chelsea are hoping to draw him back.

According to a report from EuroSport, Roman Abramovich has his eye on Bellingham after his impressive debut with Borussia Dortmund last year.

The plan would be to add him before the transfer window closes

Chelsea are targeting Jude Bellingham as a Declan Rice alternative

The report specifically describes Bellingham as an alternative to Declan Rice, the West Ham midfielder who has been linked to his former club Chelsea and Manchester United this summer.

The trouble with Rice is the price tag. West Ham manager David Moyes said the 22-year-old is worth more than £100 million back in March. Transfermarkt lists him at £63 million. Either way, that’s a hefty sum that dwarfs the value of Bellingham. The Borussia Dortmund 18-year-old carries a value just under £50 million, per Transfermarkt.

Bellingham is certainly an exciting midfield option, but leaving Germany for Chelsea doesn’t make a lot of sense at this point. He played in 46 games for Dortmund last season. He wouldn’t be guaranteed the same amount of playing time if he made his way back to England at this point. His development would be better suited staying in place for a while longer.

Moreover, Dortmund don’t have much incentive to agree to sell the young midfielder.

The link between Bellingham and Chelsea is more likely to get interesting down the line. Right now, it has the distinct feel of Chelsea trying to make it seem like they’re willing to move on from Rice to impact potential negotiations with West Ham.