Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a move for Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey as a potential Christian Pulisic replacement.
Christian Pulisic has a little over 18 months left on his contract, but he could move on in January itself for more regular game time. The Blues are expecting interest in the 24-year-old, who is currently away with the USA team for the World Cup in Qatar.
According to The Daily Mail, Chelsea are contemplating a swoop for Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey with Pulisic’s future up in the air.
Bailey, 25, has been in good nick this season after an injury-riddled first campaign with Aston Villa, despite the team’s struggles, chipping in with three goals and two assists in 14 Premier League games. The Jamaican international is starting to show why he’s so highly rated in Europe and has helped new manager Unai Emery win his first two Premier League games in charge of the Villans.
Aston Villa are in no hurry to sell Bailey amidst Chelsea links but will back Unai Emery in the transfer market, the report adds.
Leon Bailey to Chelsea—Is he a good fit at Stamford Bridge?
Chelsea were the biggest spenders in the summer transfer window, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella being recruited. But, after an underwhelming start, Thomas Tuchel was sacked with Graham Potter replacing him at the helm.
After the new manager ‘bounce’, Graham Potter has come under intense scrutiny. The Blues lost three of their last four Premier League games prior to the World Cup break. And with no wins in five league games, Potter now has time to ponder winter signings over the break in order to strengthen his squad.
Aston Villa forward Leon Bailey is the latest player to be linked with Chelsea, as Potter tries to reinforce his attacking options. Despite great quality and depth in attack, the lack of goals has been frustrating for Potter and co. and they want to address it by adding Bailey to their squad.
A left-winger by trade, Bailey is equally adept at playing on the right or through the middle as a secondary striker. Extremely pacey, agile and energetic, the 25-year-old is more than capable of beating any player in a 1v1 situation. The Jamaican is a good dribbler and has a sweet left foot too that helps him strike the ball with great force and power from long distances.
Perhaps, it is fair to say that Villa fans are still yet to see the very best of Leon Bailey since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen last year. The ex-Genk star is an outstanding player with great ability on the ball, frightening pace and unpredictable movement. Due to his talents on and off the ball, he could make an instant impact at Chelsea and give them the cutting edge they have lacked in attack this season.
While Villa are not interested in selling the Jamaican international, a tempting bid from Chelsea in January could change their minds.