Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Michy Batshuayi: Everton ‘open talks’ as Frank Lampard prepares to offer Chelsea fringe player new opportunity

Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi

Everton have reportedly opened talks with Chelsea over the potential transfer of striker Michy Batshuayi.

Batshuayi has been out of favour with Chelsea, and doesn’t appear to be a part of Thomas Tuchel’s future plans. The Belgian spent last season on loan in Turkey with Beskitas, scoring 14 league goals from 33 appearances. Now, he could be on the move once again with Everton looking at winning his signature.

That’s according to Football.London, who suggest Everton have already opened talks over his sale.

Having been sent out on loan five times since he arrived at Chelsea in 2016, the club are now looking at securing a permanent move for Batshuayi.

The 28-year-old joined for a fee of £35m eight years ago, however, Chelsea will not look for anywhere near that price now.

Batshuayi has just 12 months remaining on his contract, and it would be a boost for Chelsea to get him off their books.

That being said, Tuchel has stated earlier in pre-season that the Belgian could still prove himself at the club.

Speaking to the media, Tuchel admitted Batshuayi could still have a future under him.

He said: “Everyone has the chance now to show up. It’s an open group of players who make it easy for you to feel welcome and show your best level.

Michy Batshuayi a risk worth taking

Batshuayi has not featured for Cheslea since the 2019/20 campaign. That season, he made 16 Premier League appearances and scored just once.

The following season he spent on loan with Crystal palace. He made 18 Premier League appearances, and managed just two goals in that spell.

Nevertheless, his time at Beskitas showed he still has an eye for goal. What the 28-year-old needs now is a coach to have faith in him, and give him a solid run of Premier League appearances.

Lampard could potentially provide that. Everton struggled in front of goal last season, and will struggle even more without Richarlison.

While Batshuayi alone can’t replace Richarlison, he could provide a great option in the squad, and if he finds form will certainly find the back of the net.

With Chelsea looking to get him off their books, this deal could suit every party involved.

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