According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are still interested in Leon Bailey. The Bayer Leverkusen star has recently emerged as the latest target for Manchester City, who have identified him as a potential alternative to Leroy Sane. However, Arsenal, too, are said to be admirers of the talented winger, whose future at Leverkusen remains uncertain.
How has Leon Bailey fared this season?
Bayer Leverkusen have enjoyed a positive campaign under Peter Bosz this season. They are currently fifth in the league table and are in contention to secure Champions League football. However, Bailey hasn’t been one of their key performers so far.
In fact, the Jamaican international has struggled even to establish himself as a first-team regular for Die Werkself. This has a lot to do with the emergence of Moussa Diaby. The ex-PSG starlet has made quite an impact with his speed and trickery while Bosz also has the services of another exciting youngster in Paulinho.
The presence of such competition on the left flank has drastically minimised Bailey’s game-time this season. Injuries and suspensions have also played a role in stifling the player’s progress. As a result, he has featured in only 756 minutes of league football, despite being involved in six goals.
How does Bailey fit into the Arsenal side?
In the event of his potential arrival at Arsenal, Bailey could serve as an alternative for Reiss Nelson. But given the fact that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang faces an uncertain future at the club, the Jamaican could easily establish himself as a regular on the left flank, with Alexandre Lacazette leading the attack.
The pace of Bailey and Nicolas Pepe on the break should enhance Arsenal’s counter-attacking prowess. Meanwhile, the Leverkusen star is also capable of operating on the right flank, meaning he can provide backup for Pepe as well. It could provide Mikel Arteta with a host of tactical options at his disposal.
Arsenal are still interested in Leon Bailey: Is he a realistic option for Arteta?
The initial report from Daily Mail claims that Arsenal are likely going to struggle to match Manchester City’s financial firepower. However, the Gunners could receive a significant boost in their pursuit of Bailey, should the Premier League giants manage to retain Sane.
The Leverkusen star reportedly has a £40 million valuation, which is quite reasonable for a player of his calibre. Bailey does indeed have the pace as well as the experience that should make him an interesting option for Arteta next season. Hence, it would perhaps be wiser for Arsenal to keep a close eye on this transfer saga this summer.
