Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal have been alerted to the possibility of signing Leon Bailey, who is reportedly forcing a move to England.
According to The Sun, Bayer Leverkusen starlet Leon Bailey is pushing for a move away from Bay Arena this summer, leaving his potential suitors Chelsea and Arsenal on high alert. The Jamaican international is reportedly keen on completing a switch to England before the transfer window shuts down on August 9.
This has alerted the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, both of whom have been highly linked with a move for the Leverkusen youngster since last season. However, it is not the first time Bailey has opened up about his ambition of playing in England. Earlier this year, Bailey had revealed that playing in the Premier League has been his lifelong dream.
“Of course I have a dream club, but I will not tell. Basically, England was and still is my dream. And if I keep working hard, I’m sure it will work someday,” Bailey told German sports magazine Sport Bild.
And as it seems, the Jamaican might just be rewarded for his efforts with a move to England, especially following an excellent campaign in Bundesliga. Despite a slow start to his career at Leverkusen, the 20-year-old played a key role as Die Werkself finished fifth in the final league standings.
Bailey scored nine goals and provided six assists in just 30 Bundesliga outings and ideally emerged as one of the most promising youngsters in the German top flight.
Therefore, Chelsea and Arsenal have enough reasons to sign this highly talented attacker, who can be an asset to any team in the world.
Chelsea, in particular, could be on the verge of losing £70 million-rated Willian, with Barcelona being tipped to complete his signature this month and thus, Bailey will be an ideal long-term solution for the Brazilian sensation.
In addition, former Barcelona star Pedro has failed to perform at the top of his game in the past 12 months or so, paving the way for the 20-year-old to potentially become a regular fixture in the first-team for Blues.
Arsenal, however, will perhaps be the most logical destination for Bailey given the fact that the Gunners are in desperate need of a winger following the departure of Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean international joined arch-rivals Manchester United earlier this year, leaving the North-London giants vying for a proper replacement.
Bailey, in that regard, could be an ideal candidate thanks to his dynamism and pace in the final third, which will allow the likes of Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to dictate the play from central areas of the pitch.
As for Leverkusen, they could find it very difficult to turn down a bid in the region of £35-£40 million despite initially managing to hold on to their prized asset back in January.