According to Express, Crystal Palace are looking to sign Michy Batshuayi in the summer. The Chelsea forward has been identified as a potential target for the Eagles, who are apparently keen on signing a number nine. The Blues were asking for a fee of £45 million for Batshuayi in the January transfer window, but his price could reduce given his current struggles under Frank Lampard.
Batshuayi’s struggles at Chelsea
Batshuayi went into the season with a lot of optimism, as he was one of the main attackers of a Chelsea team hit by the loss of Eden Hazard. However, following the emergence of Tammy Abraham, the Belgian has barely even managed to make himself a regular first-team member. In fact, he has had miserable campaign so far, scoring just one league goal in 16 appearances.
Out of 16 appearances, Batshuayi mustered one start, which is unacceptable for a player of his calibre. His tally of only 224 minutes of league football means he has rarely been given the opportunity to showcase his talents at the highest stage of football.
Moreover, it seems Batshuayi’s target of making himself a regular member of the first-team has just gotten more complicated. Olivier Giroud often labelled as a failure under Lampard has now become a first-team star in the absence of Abraham, having notably scored two goals in the last three matches. Hence, Batshuayi’s long-term future at Chelsea looks rather bleak.
Is Batshuayi a good fit for Palace?
Under Roy Hodgson, Crystal Palace have one of the most direct and simplistic tactical setups in the Premier League. However, despite their one-dimensional approach going forward, they have longed for a striker who is not only capable of providing the physical presence in the final third but can also instigate the link-up play.
Batshuayi, in that regard, was an ideal fit. During his short stint at Palace, the ex-Marseille forward offered much more than just physical presence. His ability to sense scoring opportunities, combined with his remarkable commitment and willingness to close down opponents made the Eagles much more competent in the first line of press.
Moreover, it is fair to point out that Palace have lacked the presence of a reliable goalscorer. Jordan Ayew has impressed the onlookers with his work-rate. But, he would be more lethal with someone like Batshuayi playing alongside him in the final third.
Therefore, Crystal Palace must make a move for Batshuayi in the upcoming summer transfer window. Given his struggles at Chelsea, the Belgian should be available for a cut-price while the Eagles should also look to offload Christian Benteke, which, in turn, could boost their financial situation.
