Chelsea in race to sign £40m Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Leon Bailey

New Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is looking to bolster his squad and has identified Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Leon Bailey as a potential target at his new job, but faces stiff competition from Arsenal and Roma.                  

The Jamaica-born winger has been one of the primary targets for Chelsea even as they decided to not let go of Willian to Manchester United, and have warmed up their plans further by scheduling talks with Bailey’s representatives next week.

Along with Arsenal, there is additional pressure from Roma, a development that was recently confirmed by Bailey’s father and manager, Craig Butler.

'Roma were interested in Leon a couple of years ago, but since then I haven't heard from the Giallorossi. Being linked to a great club like Roma is an honor if it were true,”, he said.

Their talisman, Eden Hazard is already looking for a move out, and could ask to leave the club if Real Madrid offer a massive deal, which makes the pursuit of Bailey even more aggressive. However, without the prospect of Champions League football, a move to either Arsenal or Chelsea may not be too lucrative for the winger.

Chelsea’s only big-name signing this season has been Jorginho from Napoli, and they are still a long-way off Manchester City and even Liverpool when it comes to squad quality and depth. Bailey would be a useful addition, but considering the fact that the Blues already have Willian and Hazard, the Jamaican may have to remain content with a spot on the bench initially.

Bailey was in fine form for Bayer Leverkusen last season, netting 12 times in 34 appearances after his highly-publicised move from Genk and he is considered one of the brightest prospects in world football at the moment.