Arsenal identify Manchester United outcast as top transfer target

Arsenal manager Unai Emery wants to sign Eric Bailly from Manchester United this summer, claims The Sun.

Emery has made overhauling his backline a top priority this summer following some shambolic defending over the course of the season.

Arsenal have committed more errors leading to an opposition goal than any other team in the Premier League this season (12) and defensive mishaps are becoming far too frequent for a team trying to get back into the top four.

Emery could only afford loan signings in January and will reportedly not have a huge transfer budget for the summer, meaning the Gunners will have to make smart investments at the end of the season.

With United set to overhaul their own defensive options, Arsenal are hopeful of pulling off a cut-price deal for Bailly, who hasn’t featured for the Red Devils since the start of March.

Bailly made a promising start to his United career three years ago but has gradually declined and now looks a shadow of his former self when he steps out onto the pitch.

The Ivory Coast international was subbed off after just 36 minutes in his last appearance after being pulled from pillar to post by Paris Saint-Germain.

The 25-year-old has only made 11 league appearances for United this season and is their lowest WhoScored rated player of those to have made more than five starts (6.33).

United have been heavily linked with a number of world class centre-backs for the summer and in order to offload Bailly they are unlikely to be able to recoup their full £30m investment.