Arsenal could throw their hat into the ring in the race to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund this summer given their impressive form this season, believes pundit Ally McCoist.

What's the word?

The Englishman looks set to leave the club this summer amid major interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool, with a reported price tag of €150m (£130m) being mooted.

The decision may rest with the player as he chooses a club with a sporting project best suited to him, and the league leaders may yet fancy their chances of landing him.

Mikel Arteta's side are currently eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, and with one of the youngest average sides in the division, it is a club that can help young stars thrive.

Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist suggested that Arsenal's excellent form this season, as well as the excellent progress made by Arteta, could make the Emirates Stadium an attractive destination for Bellingham.

He said: "Arsenal have got to come into the equation, because of the team, because of the manager, because of the way the club is going, the ages of the squad.

"Arsenal would obviously come int0 it, as would Manchester City. So he's got a couple of decisions to make."

Not a priority

With recent reports suggesting that Arsenal may move for Declan Rice at the end of the season, signing another central midfielder may not be on the agenda for Arsenal beyond that.

Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard have been excellent as the two advanced central midfielders in the Arsenal side this season in the position which Bellingham would occupy, while they also have Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira as capable cover there.

Although they may love to sign someone with Bellingham's quality, it would be a costly transfer in a position which may not need immediate strengthening, so it may be a surprise if they do move for the teenager.