Arsenal have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to land Bayer Leverkusen starlet Leon Bailey, reports The Daily Mirror.
Bailey has been a sublime start to the season for the Bundesliga side and is now a huge Premier League target ahead of the January transfer window.
Chelsea were the first English side to express an interest in the Jamaica international but now Arsenal are thought to be the frontrunners for his signature if he is allowed to leave.
The Gunners will need to sign a replacement for Alexis Sanchez if he joins Manchester City next month and they have earmarked Bailey as his ideal replacement.
Arsene Wenger deployed scouts to watch Bailey on two occasions last week and now the Arsenal manager is ready to firm up his interest in the £30m-rated winger.
The 20-year-old only joined Leverkusen at the start of the year but only made eight substitute appearances in the Bundesliga in the second half of last season. However, he has flourished for Leverkusen this term.
Bailey has played a direct hand in 10 goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances this season (six goals, four assists).
