Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea greenlight striker’s exit with Leeds, Everton keen to offer shot at redemption

Chelsea strikers Michy Batshuayi and Romelu Lukaku playing for Belgium

Michy Batshuayi is departing Chelsea this summer and the striker could exact revenge with Leeds and Everton among a host of clubs interested in keeping him in England, TEAMtalk understands.

The Belgium international is currently on-loan at Turkish giants Besiktas. That is nothing new for the 28-year-old who has been farmed out on loan no fewer than five times since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2016.

Batshuayi counts Crystal Palace (twice), Borussia Dortmund, Valencia and now Besiktas on his list of loan excursions.

However, with his contract at parent club Chelsea due to expire in the summer of 2023, a decision must be made on his future once and for all.

TEAMtalk understands Chelsea are now poised to cut Batshuayi loose for good this summer. Doing so in the upcoming window would ensure they receive a fee for a forward who could yet recoup a somewhat sizeable fee.

Indeed, Batshuayi is excelling in Turkey this year. He has 14 goals and five assists to his name in 28 Super Lig outings.

As such, Besiktas are understood to hold an interest in retaining his services beyond the summer.

Unnamed teams in Germany, Italy and Spain have also made contact with Batshuayi’s camp. However, the most intriguing offers could come from within England.

Could Batshuayi return to haunt Chelsea?

We understand that no fewer than five Premier League sides have shown interest in giving him a chance to prove Chelsea wrong up close and personal.

Wolves, Everton, Southampton, Brighton and Leeds are all believed to be considering a move.

A move for Batshuayi could be conceived as a gamble. However, he has often found the net with regularity during his numerous loan spells away. Furthermore, he could truly find his groove once given a chance to put down his roots.

Batshuayi’s goals return when on loan at Dortmund stood at nine goals in 14 matches. When loaned to Crystal Palace for the first time in 2018-19, the Belgian operated at around a goal every other game with six strikes in 13.

His record on the international stage is even more eye-catching. His 23 goals in just 41 appearances cannot be ignored.

Chelsea have endured striker issues of their own this season with record buy Romelu Lukaku struggling upon his return.

Yet Batshuayi is not viewed as a tonic to their woes and will be moved on this summer. Chelsea’s loss could be another English team’s gain.