Bukayo Saka's Arsenal workload has been hefty in a long season for the Gunners (Image: Getty)
Arsenal could sign Leon Bailey as the perfect alternative to Bukayo Saka after the Aston Villa winger hinted at his wish to join one of the Premier League's 'Big Six' in the future. Bailey has enjoyed a sensational season with the Villans, who are on track to qualify for the Champions League.
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Mikel Arteta may want to add more depth on the right wing to ease Saka’s workload. The 22-year-old has played in 37 of Arsenal’s 40 matches this season and has had to withdraw from the latest England squad as a precautionary measure.
While many of the Premier League’s biggest clubs may look to the likes of Crystal Palace star Michael Olise or PSV’s Johan Bakayoko for strength on the right wing this summer, Arsenal could do much worse than target Bailey.
The 26-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists in 40 appearances this season. A prolific creator, Bailey ranks high among other wingers in the top five leagues for assists per 90 minutes (0.44) and for non-penalty goal contributions per 90 minutes (0.66), according to FBREF data.
Bailey would be an upgrade on other options on Arsenal’s right-hand side and has a similar style to Saka’s, preferring to move into the penalty area and onto his favoured left foot. He is finally realising the potential that saw him linked with Europe’s biggest clubs during his time at Bayer Leverkusen.
Leon Bailey is enjoying an excellent season at Aston Villa and may attract summer interest (Image: Getty)
Asked about his future on the Let’s Be Honest Podcast, the Jamaica international listed Arsenal and Chelsea as the “massive teams” who he could see himself playing for one day. While adding that he is “comfortable” at Villa, he says it would be “big” for Jamaican football to have a player shining for a Big Six Premier League team.
“You have big teams in England, they call themselves the big six. The Arsenals and the Chelseas,” he said.
“It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League and I am right now. Who wouldn’t want to go to a massive team? Especially coming out of Jamaica, do you know how big that is for the country? Especially being who I am as well.
“It would shine more light and that has been my focus whenever overseas. It is to use my platform to be able to shine light on the country and the young talents. It’s difficult for us Jamaicans to even dream about making it to Europe.
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Leon Bailey has teased a switch to Arsenal after shining for Aston Villa (Image: Getty)
“I don’t know how to answer that question but I’d just have to see in the moment. I’ve really been enjoying my football and I’m really focused on Aston Villa, having one of the best seasons of my career.
“You never know in football but I’m comfortable and happy where I’m at. I just focus on one thing at a time.”
Arsenal will of course likely need to pay a big fee to prise Bailey from Villa Park. Villa are protected by a further three years on his contract, but the Gunners may hope that an agreement can be reached to provide competition to Saka.
