According to a recent report by the Sun, Arsenal are eyeing a cut-price move to secure the services of Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly during the summer transfer period. The same source has also revealed that the former La Liga talent will be on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s summer clear-out list with the Gunners eager to recruit him to put an end to their recent defensive concerns.
Bailly’s Frustrations At Old Trafford This Season
Bailly had to endure a frustrating campaign at Old Trafford as he has been starved of first-team opportunities so far this term. However, the Ivory Coast centre-half has looked far from convincing whenever he has been given game time on the pitch. There is no doubt that he is lacking in confidence and needs a change of scenery so that he can reignite his career in European football.
The ex-Villarreal defensive ace has featured in a total of 17 matches for the Red Devils this term across all competitions. He has made an average of 1.1 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 3.3 clearances per game in the Premier League (Stats taken from Whoscored).
Bailly has also earned 32 international caps for the Ivory Coast national side and has two goals to his name for his country thus far.
What Does The Ivory Coast Defender Offer On The Pitch?
The Man United defender has decent pace under his belt and can be a commanding presence at the back. He is physically strong and dominant in the air but cannot play the ball out from the back.
Will Bailly Be The Right Fit For The Gunners?
The acquisition of Bailly will undoubtedly bolster Unai Emery’s defensive options at the Emirates Stadium. He will be a significant upgrade over Shkodran Mustafi who has been abysmal in defence for the Gunners over the past couple of years. However, one can question whether Bailly is good enough to make a positive impact at the North London club.
Arsenal are in dire need of a new defender who can be reliable at the back while also form a strong defensive partnership with either Sokratis Papastathopoulos or Laurent Koscielny. However, Bailly doesn’t tick all the boxes so the Gunners would be better of signing someone else ahead of the new campaign.
