Chelsea are looking to secure the services of Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly this summer. According to recent reports, the Blues are monitoring the Ivory Coast international’s situation at Old Trafford and could make a move for him when the transfer window opens in the summer.
The 24-year-old defensive ace has put in a number of solid displays at the back for United during the course of this campaign which has not gone unnoticed. Some sources have recently claimed that the west London club are keeping tabs on his situation at Manchester and are eyeing a summer move for the former Villarreal CF player. However, they could face strong competition from Arsenal in pursuit of Bailly’s signature in the off-season.
Bailly has featured in 16 matches for the Red Devils this season, scoring one goal so far in all competitions. The United defender also has 31 international caps to his name for the Ivory Coast national team. He joined United from Villarreal in the summer of 2016 but has been a sporadic feature in Jose Mourinho’s first-team this season. It is being reported that the Ivory Coast defender missed United’s end of the season awards ceremony on Tuesday night due to a dental problem which has further thrown his future in doubt at Old Trafford.
The Blues of London have a tally of 66 points after playing 35 matches during the course of this campaign and find themselves in the fifth position in the league rankings with a crucial league match versus Liverpool coming up this weekend. The Stamford Bridge based team needs to bring in some quality players in the summer so that they can put on a much-improved showing in the next season.
Conte’s side also have an FA Cup final to look forward to, when they will come face to face with Manchester United later in May. The potential acquisition of Bailly will definitely bolster Chelsea’s defensive options ahead of the new campaign. The West London club have the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Thomas Christiansen, Gary Cahill and David Luiz vying for a place in the Conte’ starting eleven. The addition of Bailly will definitely improve their squad depth significantly and add more competition for places within the Blues’ team.
Read More: Napoli Boss Linked With A Move To Chelsea: The Right Choice For The Blues?
At 24, the Manchester United defender needs regular playing time which the Blues could be willing to provide next season as they look to bounce back in the Premier League after a poor season this term. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Bailly and whether he ends up making a switch to Stamford Bridge this summer in search of greener pastures.
