Football

How Chelsea reacted when Crystal Palace chiefs asked about signing Michy Batshuayi


Batshuayi has endured frustration at Chelsea in the past, since joining for £32million from Marseille in 2016.

The Belgian will fight for a starting striker place alongside Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham.

Batshuayi spent last season on loan with Valencia and Palace, following a spell at Borussia Dortmund in the 2017/18 season.

And according to Goal, Palace are interested in making Batshuayi a permanent player at Selhurst Park, but Chelsea told them they would only sell for £40m.

A lot of the Blues’ decision-making on that deal is down to their FIFA transfer ban.

The club are reluctant to sell players who will pad out their squad ahead of a busy 2019/20 season which includes Champions League football.

Ahead of next season, Abraham has been given the number nine shirt, perhaps an indication that he may start as Chelsea’s first-choice striker.

He said earlier this week: “I spoke to the manager and he asked me if I am ready to take the No.9. I said I am ready.

“I am glad he offered the number nine. I think football brings a lot of pressure but it strives me on. It gives me that extra belief to go on and do well.”

Giroud signed a new one-year contract with Chelsea after his Europa League heroics last term for the west London club.

Batshuayi staying at Chelsea will mean that manager Frank Lampard will need to make a decision on some non-homegrown players’ futures.

Timeoue Bakayoko and Davide Zappacosta could leave the club, as could Kenedy, but Lampard is adamant that defender Kurt Zouma will stay.

Chelsea round off their pre-season exploits against Reading, RB Salzburg and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Lampard’s first league game in charge of Chelsea will be against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 11.



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