Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is looking to offload striker Michy Batshuayi, 24, claims the Daily Telegraph.
The Belgian international has failed to impress the Italian while Alvaro Morata recovers from his hamstring injury. A fractious atmosphere is building around Cobham and Stamford Bridge with Conte concerned by his squads’ lack of depth as they begin to drift out of the title race.
Losing 2 – 1 at Crystal Palace severely dented Conte’s aspirations of retaining the Premier League crown won so stylishly last season. The Italian, himself the subject of speculation over his future, is furious with the failure to beat opponents they were brushing aside last season.
Batshuayi has netted five times in seven appearances this season although three of those came in the Carabao Cup. However, he has yet to net in the Premier League this season and managed just five in twenty matches last season.
The Telegraph reports that Batshuayi is aware of his shortcomings but with a €40m price tag from last season, it’s unlikely Chelsea will find a buyer for him quickly. Had they landed Fernando Llorente, 32, the Belgian would have been loaned but the Spaniard opted to join Tottenham instead.
Morata’s injury underlines the problems Chelsea face in front of goal this season. Nine points adrift of Manchester City, the Blues can ill-afford any more slips.
