Chelsea could complete deal according to sources close to Spanish club: Player to leave in search of playing time

Chelsea will let striker Michy Batshuayi leave only if they can sign a replacement striker in the January transfer window, according to several reports. The Belgium international has struggled to get first-team opportunities for the Blues, starting only two league games this season.

Manager Antonio Conte is believed to have very little faith in the 24-year-old and has often overlooked the striker, even during the absence of summer signing Alvaro Morata. The Italian has been reluctant to use him for 90 minutes, and it has created more of a problem for Chelsea given Morata’s current struggles in front of goal.

Batshuayi has still managed to score 7 goals in 19 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea but he is unlikely to nail down a regular place in the side under Conte.

A report from ESPN suggests Sevilla are confident of securing a loan move for the out-of-favour Batshuayi. The Spanish club are looking to bolster their striking options this month and have targeted a move for the towering Belgian.

However, the report suggests that the Blues will only give the deal their green light if they can bring in some attackers to replace him. Both clubs are in talks over a loan deal for Batshuayi and Chelsea are ready to give it a go, depending on them bringing in their own forward reinforcements.

Conte is also reportedly keen on signing Red Star Belgrade’s Richmond Boakye and Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke, although West Ham powerhouse, Andy Carroll is seen as the most attainable target before the January transfer window closes.

The Premier League champions have emerged as late contenders for the signing of Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez after Manchester City cooled their interest. However, Manchester United remain the favourites to land the Chilean forward, with reports suggesting that the Old Trafford club are willing to meet his wage demands.

With the world’s biggest sporting event on the horizon, the 24-year-old Batshuayi’s future at Stamford Bridge looks to be in complete jeopardy. A move away in search of regular first-team football in the second half of the season would help the striker increase his chances of making it to Belgium’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

So until Conte finds a replacement, Batshuayi should wait, and probably play too.