If reports are to be believed then Chelsea are on the verge of signing the young Belgian forward, Michy Batshuayi from Marseille. The London based club are said to have eclipsed Crystal Palace’s bid of £31 million for Batshuayi. Of course the player is busy with Belgium at the EUROs currently, preparing for their crucial Quarter-Final encounter against Wales. He contributed to the Red Devils’ victory over Hungary in the Round of 16, scoring with his first touch after coming on as a substitute in what turned out to be a comfortable 4-0 victory. Batshuayi will be Chelsea’s first summer signing and also the first of the incoming Antonio Conte.
The 22 year old scored 25 goals in all competitions for Marseille last season. Although he might not have the physical prowess of the likes of Drogba, he is very versatile up front. He is quick to adapt to the way the manger wants him to play and he’s speedy as well. He likes to dribble completing 1.08 successful take ons per match. He also took 3.39 shots per game last season in the French League. Being in the Belgian team with Eden Hazard, who is also captaining him at EURO 2016, will certainly aid in their link up play if Batshuayi does move to London.
His lack of physicality means he’s not that great in the air, however his finishing his very good. He can play as a lone striker or as a two upfront and if Conte does choose to play his 3-5- 2 then he shall have no problem. Batshuayi combined well with Steven Fletcher while at Marseille. That is proved by the 9 assists he provided in the Ligue 1 last season. He reads the game well and his often at the right place at the right time. It is a quality that former Manchester United man Chicharito possesses and he scored a lot of goals against Chelsea during his time in the Premier League. He’s also confident with both using both feet to strike the ball.
There are a few drawbacks to his game though. He doesn’t seem inclined to do his defensive duty. Though, a forward’s role is to score goals. He also does seem to have a problem with his attitude. Belgian club Anderlecht released him after just one season due to his poor attitude which he conceded was the right decision. Even while at Marseille he was sent off and then suspended for 2 games after he elbowed another player.
£35 million pounds definitely seems excessive for such a young player who is fairly unknown to those who don’t watch the French League. However, the last time a relatively unknown young striker was bought from the French League for a hefty sum, it turned out rather well. Also being so young, he could very well turn out to be a long term investment.