Why Conte Should Jump At The First Chance To Sign £92m Attacker Even If Chelsea Lose Batshuayi

Should Chelsea Go Through With The Swap Deal For Michy Batshuayi And AS Monaco Star Thomas Lemar?

Thomas Lemar shot to fame for his brilliant performances for AS Monaco in the Champions League and till date, the furore surrounding his future refuses to die down. The player is now being linked with a move to join Premier League defending champions Chelsea in exchange for Michy Batshuayi. The out-of-favour striker has failed to establish himself under Antonio Conte and could head out in January on a loan move to Monaco.

Last season, he was left out of the line up to make room for Diego Costa while this season, he had to miss out on several matches because of Alvaro Morata. He was expected to leave over the summer but it is understandable that the player wanted to stay back and fight for a spot.

However, as of now, it does not seem like he has gone anywhere close to cementing himself in the first-team. Even when Morata missed the game against Huddersfield due to an injury, Conte used him only as a substitute. An exit from the club could prove to be the most beneficial for him since he is in dire need of regular football.

It seems odd that Conte would let a talented individual like Batshuayi leave the Blues, especially after the kind of commitment he has shown. It might be a temporary hiatus and the £92m Lemar does seem like an exciting prospect to bring to Stamford Bridge – but will it be a good deal for Chelsea?

 

Lemar would be in direct competition with Eden Hazard for a starting spot. In situations where Morata might be injured or misses out, Conte could use the Belgian as a false-9 but in other cases, he could deploy Lemar on the right-hand side. An attacking trio of Hazard, Lemar and Morata does sound enticing and the Blues could really use some much-needed boost and power in their attack.

Chelsea did start the season quite weakly but seem to be finding their feet of late. It seems impossible for them to defend the trophy at this point, considering Manchester City’s blistering displays. However, they could look to put up a stronger fight and a player like Lemar would prove to be a valuable addition.

Hence, if a deal is on the horizon, it could work out in favour of Chelsea but maybe not so much for Batshuayi. A loan deal could give him the game time he so desperately craves for – but what would happen once he returns to Stamford Bridge at the end of it? By then, with Lemar in the mix, it will become all the more tough for him to break into the team. It remains to be seen how that will turn out but for now, Conte could benefit by bringing Lemar to Chelsea.