3 January Targets that could power Arsenal into the Top four

#2 Eric Bailly (Manchester United)

Bailly would be a shrewd acquisition

Eric Bailly arrived in English football in the summer of 2016 when signed from Villareal. The Ivorian enjoyed a fruitful season with the Yellow Submarine, thus earning a deserved move to the Theatre of Dreams.

Bailly was impressive in his first season as he quickly established himself as the first-choice center back. At the start of his career, he represented a tough and rugged defender who fitted into Mourinho’s philosophy like a glove.

However, subsequent injuries and a loss of form and confidence have led to the Ivorian falling out of favour with the Portuguese. While Bailly may not have set the world ablaze this term, his traits make him an ideal fit for Arsenal.

Bailly boasts of rapid pace, a rare commodity in defenders. Though he is prone to the odd mistake, his pace helps him overcome tricky situations. With Emery intent on playing a high line, Bailly would slot perfectly into his defense, with his pace distinguishing him from the other defenders.

Prizing Eric Bailly away from Manchester United would represent the most difficult of deals yet there is enough evidence to suggest that Arsenal should burn the midnight oil to make it happen.

If Jose actually gives Bailly the green light to sign for one of United’s top four competitors is another matter altogether. Although the deal seems the unlikeliest of the three, it could represent the shrewdest of them all.