Chelsea have reportedly identified Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey as a potential transfer target for 2023.
During the summer window, the first since the takeover of the club, the Blues spent in the region of £245m to make numerous high-profile additions.
Of those additions, Raheem Sterling and Carney Chukwuemeka were brought in to add more creativity in the final third, with much expected from the former after leaving Manchester City.
However, the England international has contributed just five goals and two assists at a time when his teammates in the same area of the pitch have all failed to impress on a consistent basis.
The likes of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech also have just over 19 months remaining on their respective contracts, and not holding down regular spots in Graham Potter's starting lineup will naturally lead to speculation regarding their future.
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At a time when offers are expected for both players during 2023, the Daily Mail claims that Chelsea are giving consideration to making a bid for Bailey.
The Jamaica international failed to justify his reported £25m transfer fee during 2021-22, contributing just one goal and two assists from 18 Premier League appearances, but the former Bayer Leverkusen man has been far more threatening in his second year at Villa Park.
Four goals and two assists have come from 16 outings in all competitions, the 25-year-old recently chipping in with goals during wins over Brentford and Manchester United.
Since his starring role versus the latter, Bailey has been restricted to two substitute outings in quick succession, while he has not completed 90 minutes for Villa since the 1-1 draw against Manchester City on September 3.
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With over two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, Villa are under no pressure to cash in on Bailey should they not wish to do so.
Nevertheless, much may depend on whether Bailey is regarded as a regular starter under new boss Unai Emery, who will want to make changes to his squad in January.
Although a potential transfer fee is not mentioned, the Villa hierarchy are unlikely to consider a sale unless they receive at least the same amount of money that they shelled out for the player last year.
The report adds that Chelsea have also taken note of Bailey becoming friends with Sterling away from the pitch and it may become a factor in any pursuit of his signature.
The West Londoners would likely insist on parting ways with at least one of Pulisic or Ziyech before signing another attacker, the latter continuing to be linked with AC Milan.
Darren Plant
