Roma, fresh off heartbreak over losing Malcom, has turned their sight towards Leon Bailey. Chelsea should go all out for Bailey and risk the relationship.
Chelsea generally has a poor relationship with Italian clubs. Juventus and Napoli both kicked up the asking price for players the Blues wanted even after they met the original number. Both have had their own form of wheeling and dealing this window as well.
But Roma is a different story. Chelsea cut a deal with them at the expense of Fiorentina over Mohammed Salah. Antonio Rudiger came to the Blues quite easily. The only thing that did not really work was the Alisson deal, and it was never clear that the Blues were serious enough for it anyways.
Roma has been in the news recently for seeing Barcelona swipe Malcom right out from under them. The Italian side has now turned its sights towards Leon Bailey. Chelsea is also linked. Swiping Bailey away from Roma could ruin the Chelsea/Roma relationship. It would be worth it.
Bailey, frankly, is an outstanding player. At only 20, he took Bundesliga by storm last season while playing as a winger and wingback. Interestingly, he was equally adept regardless of what side of the pitch he was on.
Chelsea needs better players for the right flank. Willian and Pedro are both approaching or have approached the wrong side of 30. Even on the left flank, Eden Hazard’s future is still murky. A player like Bailey could remain at the club for years and develop into a truly world class talent.
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The cost would be any relationship with Roma. Roma is already hurt by losing Malcom. If they see the Blues go after their plan B, they will cut off all ties. That is entirely okay.
Bailey is more than worth the loss of any Roma player now or in the future. Furthermore, Roma could have performed with more good faith in the Alisson saga. They were quick to sell to Liverpool before Chelsea could really become involved. Roma surely would have known that the Blues were interested, but they did not wait.
Furthermore, Bailey is allegedly a Chelsea fan. Hinting at a starting role may be enough to push him towards the Blue. He would immediately strengthen the Blues and, because of his supposed fandom, would likely stay at the club for a very long time so long as he is used.
The only issue, for both Chelsea and Roma, would be convincing Bayer Leverkusen to sell. They understand that they are sitting on a cash cow with Bailey and will not let him go easily. Given how crazy the market has already been for wingers, it would not be surprising to see Bailey go for £60 million or more.
The Blues could fund that with a Willian transfer, but with Barcelona off the table, that will be difficult. Manchester United is likely the only remaining suitor, and Chelsea appearsadamant in holding out for Anthony Martial.
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Roma has been a good friend of Chelsea’s, but that friendship is worth ending for Bailey. The Blues need a player like that and should devote their resources to bringing the young winger to London.