Chelsea and Roma are set to battle it out for Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey this summer, the Evening Standard reports.
The 20-year-old had been a target for Maurizio Sarri’s side this summer as it looked likely that Willian would depart Stamford Bridge for Barcelona.
However, with Barcelona now having confirmed the signing of Bordeaux’s Malcolm, the Chelsea star looks set to remain at Stamford Bridge for the upcoming campaign, with Chelsea now considering whether or not to still try and lure Bailey to the club.
Barcelona beat off Roma for Malcolm’s signature, leaving the Serie A side now looking at a move for Bailey.
Bailey’s agent and father, Craig Butler, spoke of the rumours linking his son with a move to the Serie A side this summer:
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. I don’t know if Roma are speaking to some intermediary, but they’d have to talk to me.
It wouldn’t be wise not to listen to Roma, but always respecting our agreement with Bayer Leverkusen, a club that has my respect.
