Months after lifting the Premier League title, Chelsea are in the middle of a seriously mediocre spell, which might cost Antonio Conte his job pretty soon. But the scouts at the club are sticking to their task and are scouting some of the finest prospects in Europe, to improve on the squad at the club. This has seen them linked with a number of exciting names and one player they are reportedly keen on landing is young Leon Bailey.
Chelsea Lead Race For Bailey:
A transfer target for the Blues even in the summer, the 20-year old Jamaican star has been in impressive form for German outfit Bayer Leverkusen this season. He has constantly been linked with an exit and reports from Germany now claim that the Bundesliga outfit values him at around £100m, a price similar to what Barcelona paid for Ousmane Dembele last summer.
Leverkusen still hope to keep him at Bay Arena but Bailey recently revealed his dream of playing in the Premier League and it is now understood that Chelsea are in a better position than the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, in the race to sign the attacker.
Who Is Bailey:
Having moved to Europe for the first time in 2014 with Genk, the pacey winger moved to Germany with a record of eight goals from 56 top-flight outings in Belgium. He only joined Leverkusen from Genk last January but has already managed to cement his place in the first team, making 25 appearances to date.
A natural winger, who loves to beat his man and find a cross, Bailey has 8 goals and 5 assists in 14 Bundesliga starts this season and is improving by the game. He is yet to represent the Jamaican national senior side but is certainly a star in the making.
He is good in dead ball situations, can beat the keeper from long range and can also set up chances for his side, cutting in from the flank. At just 20, he has great composure on the ball and is usually productive in the final third. He has to work on his hold up play and has to add more to the defensive side of his game but he has enough potential to turn into a European superstar and will be a superb signing for any of the top clubs in England.
Chances At Chelsea:
The Blues do not want to lose any of their star players but Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard, who is easily their most important star, may be heading towards the exit door. Even with him in the side, Chelsea lack a bit of attacking quality, with the likes of Willian and Pedro struggling in front of goal.
Bailey may not be an immediate solution to this problem but he is definitely a player who will add some impetus to a stale looking attack at Stamford Bridge. His price tag is fair enough for his potential considering the current market and Chelsea will have to cough up if they are to sign stars that can help them compete for the title and Bailey certainly fits the bill.
At 20, he is only going to get better but do you think Chelsea need to spend on a more established star?
