Transfer Rumour: Arsenal join Chelsea in pursuit of Leon Bailey

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to sign Leon Bailey, who is also being targeted by Chelsea for a move in the January transfer window.

According to a report by Daily Mirror, Leon Bailey is the subject of interest from Arsenal, who have been closely monitoring his progress at Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners have joined Chelsea in pursuit of the Jamaican winger, with a January transfer battle on the cards.

Bailey’s stock has been on the rise ever since he made his senior debut for KRC Genk at the nascent age of 18, which has only further enhanced upon his move to Bayer Leverkusen last January. The player has quickly established himself as a key figure for the Bundesliga outfit, and is now starting to add an end product to his game as well.

In 14 league outings this season, the player has an impressive haul of five goals and as many assists to show for his efforts. And as he approaches the annual anniversary of his move to Bayer Leverkusen, interest in him is starting escalate once again.

Chelsea have been tailing him, not just in recent weeks, but for a long time, and Antonio Conte is ready to sanction an assault for the youngster. The Blues have now been joined by London rivals Arsenal, who have been closely monitoring Bailey since his move to Germany.

Antonio Conte has made no bones about the size of his squad, and attack is a department where the Chelsea manager looks short of options. Furthermore, Willian is being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge to enhance his prospects of securing a World Cup spot.

With Eden Hazard constantly being linked with Real Madrid as well, a move for Bailey will be a step in the right direction for Conte & co. But the Blues’ pursuit of the Jamaican youngster will not be without challenge, with Arsenal giving them stiff competition.

The Gunners’ position is rather clearer. Alexis Sanchez is destined to depart from the Emirates, either in January or next summer, and it is apparent that Arsenal will need to bolster their attack in preparation of his departure or otherwise.

Bailey has, thus, emerged as a top target for Arsene Wenger. The Arsenal boss though, believes a £15 million bid would be enough to secure his services, which is where he could fall short, with reports suggesting that Chelsea have already had a £22 million bid rejected.

While Bayer would be unwilling to let go of the player’s services in January, their heads will only be turned if a substantial bid is lodged, considering his contract still has more than four years left. It now remains to be seen if either club manages to land Bailey in January, or have to turn their attentions elsewhere.