Eric Bailly to Arsenal? Unai Emery eyes out-of-favour United star – Reports

Eric Bailly to Arsenal: Arsenal and Tottenham are set to enter the race to sign Manchester United star Eric Bailly.

Eric Bailly signed for Manchester United in 2016, but he spent significant part of his time at the club recovering from injuries. In the current season, he reclaimed the starting spot in Manchester United’s XI, but dropped after the second match due to poor form.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho blamed the defender’s mistake after the loss against Brighton and Hove Albion, and Bailly is yet to break into starting XI for the club since. The reports now suggest that Bailly might want a move out of the club.

English media outlet Mirror reports that Arsenal and Tottenham might enter the race to sign the out-of-favour Manchester United star.

Arsenal’s current first-choice central defenders are Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi. While Unai Emery signed Sokratis this year, Mustafi has been inconsistent at the back during his time at the club.

Mirror reports that Mauricio Pochettino has earlier shown interest in the defender during his time in Spain, and might reconsider him at Tottenham Hotspur.

Eric Bailly spend most of his time in the previous season on the sidelines due to injury. The Ivorian defender made only 13 appearances in the Premier League, and 18 overall appearances for the club.

In this season, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has played Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof since dropping Eric Bailly to the bench.

Also read: Unai Emery confirms one big change in Arsenal lineup for Europa League

Manchester United are currently 8th in the Premier League with 9 points from 5 matches. Arsenal, meanwhile, have also brought their season back on track after two opening losses to Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.

Tottenham Hotspur, however, struggle with form, as they lost both of their previous matches to Watford and Liverpool.