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While there are a number of clubs that are interested in signing Michy Batshuayi, it’s unlikely that any of them would come even close to meeting Chelsea’s asking price for the striker. West Ham, Crystal Palace, Leeds United, Newcastle United as well as Serie A club Atalanta have all been credited with an interest, but with Chelsea trying to recoup most of the fee that we paid in 2016, no one has taken the bite yet. The problem has been further exacerbated by COVID-19, with most clubs being understandably frugal in their transfer spendings this summer.
As a result, there is a strong possibility that Chelsea could choose to extend Michy’s contract, which expires in 2021, and send him on loan, and then try to sell him next summer in better economic conditions. According to Express & Star, newly-promoted Premier League side, West Bromwich Albion — against whom Michy scored the winning goal for the 2017 PL title — are banking on this fact and have thrown their hat into the mix as well for a season-long loan deal.
West Brom have been relatively cautious in the transfer window, but are well aware that they will need reinforcements if they are to survive amongst the big boys of the Premier League. They do have Charlie Austin, Kenneth Zohore and Hal Robson-Kanu in their striking ranks, but are looking to add a more established striker to their roster, and have thus added Batshuayi to their shortlist.
Leeds United have most likely dropped out of the race after signing Rodrigo Moreno from Valencia, so this does give a boost to the Baggies’ chances of landing the Belgium international.
West Brom have also been credited with an interest in Chelsea youngster Jake Clarke-Salter, who spent last season on loan at Birmingham City, but with Premier League rules allowing at most one loan deal between two PL clubs, the club from West Midlands will need to make a choice between the 22-year-old and Michy.
ICYMI: Albion are interested in a loan move for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, the Express & Star understands. #WBA #Baggies https://t.co/Q7XD3beiX2
— Express & Star (@ExpressandStar) September 4, 2020