Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly has emerged as a January transfer target for fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.
As per a report from Scottish publication Daily Record, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are set to launch an attempt to sign Ivory Coast international Eric Bailly from Manchester United in the winter transfer window.
Bailly was Jose Mourinho’s first signing at Manchester United, arriving from Villarreal in a deal worth €35 million in the summer of 2016. After a breakout debut campaign, the 24-year-old endured an injury-ridden season last time out and has found himself completely out of favour with the manager in the ongoing term.
Bailly has featured just seven times in 2018-19 and hasn’t played a single game since his 19th minute substitution against Newcastle United over a month ago. In fact, the 24-year-old did not even make it to the matchday squad for Manchester United’s last three league encounters.
Bailly has grown frustrated with his plight at Manchester United, with chances not coming his way despite the team’s defensive struggles, and is believed to be open to an exit in January in search of regular playing time. The Ivorian’s situation has piqued the interest of several clubs, chief among them being Arsenal and Tottenham.
Arsenal, led by new manager Unai Emery, have made a strong start to the campaign. However, defensive issues continue to hamper the Gunners, despite them bringing in seasoned campaigner Sokratis Papastathopoulos in the summer. The Greek has had to battle injuries early into his stint in London, while partner Shkodran Mustafi has struggled for consistency again.
Konstantinos Mavropanos has also spent a lot of time on the treatment table, while Laurent Koscielny returned to fitness only recently. The veteran Frenchman, however, is understood to be not a major part of the plans for Emery moving forward, which is why the club are seeking defensive reinforcements in the form of Bailly.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have fared very well, despite having not brought in a single player in the summer transfer window. Mauricio Pochettino’s side boast the Premier League’s fourth best defensive record, having let in just 10 goals in 12 outings.
However, Tottenham are at risk of losing stalwart Toby Alderweireld, who was close to sealing a move away to Manchester United back in the summer. Jan Vertonghen is also in the final year of his contract and while Spurs have the option of extending it by another year, they would want to shore up their defences in the unlikely event of his departure, leading to the interest in Bailly.
With Manchester United intent on bringing in a new centre-half in January, both Arsenal and Tottenham believe they stand a great chance of prying Bailly away from their rivals.
They will, however, have to battle Serie A giants AC Milan, who are also keen on signing the Ivorian centre-back.
Uncertain times lie ahead for Bailly at Manchester United. The 24-year-old is a talented defender and has what it takes to earn his place back in Mourinho’s side. However, should he fail to do so and seek a move away, there seem to be no shortage of suitors for him.