Sunderland AFC: Jobe Bellingham "gentleman's agreement" revelation emerges as Arsenal circle | OneFootball

If a suitable offer for Bellingham comes in from a Premier League side, he looks destined to leave the Stadium of Light.

Jobe Bellingham has a "gentleman's agreement" in place with Sunderland, amid interest from Arsenal.

According to Football Transfers, the Black Cats agreed during contract negotiations last summer that the attacking midfielder would be able to leave the club for a Premier League side if a suitable offer comes in.

The teenager put pen to paper on a new deal during that period to extend his stay until the summer of 2028, something that came as a boost for the Wearside outfit, who were able to strengthen their negotiating position in the process.

Having seen the player impress at times this season, the Black Cats will be glad that they moved to tie the player down to fresh terms, though they will be wary that bids may come in for him during the January transfer window.

Not only is he likely to be of interest to teams because of the fact he's a big talent, but he will also attract interest because of his older sibling Jude, with the Bellingham family now widely known.

This is both a blessing and a curse for Regis Le Bris' side, who could have a major auction for the player if there's more interest in him, but may not want to lose him at this stage, with the Championship club remaining firmly in the promotion mix.

Sunderland agreement revealed amid Jobe Bellingham exit links

Football Transfers have reported that the Gunners have taken an interest in the 19-year-old - and the opportunity to make the move to the Emirates Stadium could be an exciting one for Jobe.

In a potential boost for Mikel Arteta's side, it's believed the Black Cats and Bellingham have a gentleman's agreement in place, which means the Wearside outfit may accept a suitable offer from an English top-tier side if it comes in.

With Jorginho and Thomas Partey's futures uncertain, it's the Gunners who could potentially make a move for the Black Cats' star, but it remains to be seen whether they come in with a bid for him.

Jobe Bellingham must stay grounded amid Arsenal links

Game time has been key for Bellingham's development as a footballer.

He wasn't getting that at Birmingham City, but having become a regular starter at the Stadium of Light, he is developing rapidly on Wearside.

This is something he must remember when weighing up a potential move to the Premier League.

He may have faith in himself and that's a real positive, but he needs to be realistic and be at a club that can offer him regular starts.

If they can't, there's little point in Bellingham making a move away from his current club, where he's winning plenty of time on the pitch under Regis Le Bris.