While the trending rumor mill narrative is that Michy Batshuayi will end up at Borussia Dortmund, or that the German side will at least make a strong play for him to join, either on loan (again) or on a permanent transfer, German outlet Bild continue to beat the drum of a different path.
In mid-May they reported that Dortmund were conniving strategizing ways to separate Alvaro Morata instead from Chelsea, which was a bit of a head-scratcher, given that the team had previously publicly admitted they wanted Michy to stay.
Now Bild are at it again.
DSDS beim BVB! - Dortmund sucht den Super-Stürmer https://t.co/hi4zgz6jo4
— BILD Ruhrgebiet (@BILD_Ruhrgebiet) June 15, 2018
They claim that Dortmund’s interest in Michy has cooled and they’re looking elsewhere for a center-forward to replace the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who left for Arsenal in January. Bild give two reasons. One is Michy’s style of play. That may not be news to Antonio Conte, who couldn’t find a fit for him, but it’s not something you’d expect to hear from BVB, given Batsman’s productivity for them.
The other reason makes sense, and has been hinted at before. Michy’s too expensive. Chelsea are not interested in another loan. A potential fee of €40 million has been floating around and back in May it was suggested that the Germans would be willing to pay that. Bild now claim that isn’t so. Frankly, Chelsea might ask a lot more for a striker who struck oil on loan and whom they have under control for three more years. So it does make sense that Dortmund feel they’ve been priced out of the market.
Meanwhile, things are obviously unsettled at Chelsea. It could be that that Batshuayi comes back to a new coach who isn’t stuck on having a target man and who can find a use for a player with his skills. Or not. Chelsea’s future direction is a mystery wrapped in a conundrum right now.
Good thing Bats is ignoring his club situation and concentrating on the World Cup.