Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners to Rival Chelsea for Leon Bailey in Fresh Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly set to rival Chelsea in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey.

According to the Mirror's Steve Stammers, the rivals have taken a keen interest in the 20-year-old and have been keeping a close eye on him over the last year since he arrived in the Bundesliga in January. They're not the only ones, as clubs in Serie A and La Liga are also said to be aware of his talents.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believes a £15 million move for the youngster would represent a "sound investment."

Bailey contributed seven goals and three assists in 12 UEFA Europa League appearances last season to help Genk qualify for the tournament and then win a group that also included Athletic Bilbao, before joining Bayer in the winter for £12 million.

The Jamaican has enjoyed a breakout campaign with Leverkusen this season with five goals and as many assists to his name in all competitions.

WhoScored.com took a look at his excellent form of late:

His club showed off one of his assists in the 2-0 win over Stuttgart:

Bailey has split his time this season between the right and the left wings, and he possesses frightening pace, which he uses to great effect with direct runs at defenders.

He's more than simply a speedster, though. His goal and assist tallies for the season speak to his end product in the final third, and he could become even more incisive as he continues to develop.

Arsenal could have use for another wide man, as Theo Walcott looks to have fallen out of favour at the Emirates Stadium, per James Olley of the Evening Standard:

It's still early in Bailey's career, but he could be a strong long-term choice to replace Walcott, who has perhaps never quite hit the heights expected of him.

However, given the fee Leverkusen paid to land him and the form he has been in, £15 million seems highly unlikely to be enough to secure his signature, particularly as the club will be eager to keep hold of him.

With the amount of interest in him also, prising him away from the Bundesliga side would prove quite the coup.