A recent transfer trifecta predicts that Michy Batshuayi will end up in Borussia Dortmund if they lose Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Arsenal and the Gunners will see Olivier Giroud make the move to Stamford Bridge as Batshuayi’s replacement as a second striker. This is a very complicated domino effect which will collapse if any one of the three parties back out.
Considering Batshuayi’s case, the move to Dortmund will not be the worst of cases. If Aubameyang departs, the Belgian will be delegated the responsibilities of a starting number nine – something he has never received under Antonio Conte.
He has appeared in a sporadic role in 26 matches for Chelsea this season and has netted the ball 12 times; a tally which showcases his talents of finding the back of the net. The FA Cup 4th round tie saw him earn himself a brace against Newcastle United which led the side to win 3-0.
Batshuayi arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2016 for £33.2m from Ligue 1 side, Marseille. He impressed in front of goal for the French outfit with 33 goals in 78 appearances for the club that marked him as one of the hottest European talents. Chelsea fans expected the Belgian to succeed Diego Costa in the number nine role after playing second fiddle to him in the 2016/17 season.
But clearly, Conte is not sold over the promise of Batshuayi as seen from the arrival of Alvaro Morata for £58m in the summer. However, the Italian tactician was quoted, “It’s not simple to be young and play in a great team like Chelsea. But I’m very happy with his commitment and I’m very happy with his behaviour during the training sessions. I’m very happy when he’s playing and when I’m calling him to start the game. He has to continue this way.”
Batshuayi has been capped at international level for the Belgium senior team 11 times scoring the ball 5 times. He still plans on cementing a spot in the team ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Christian Benteke has been in poor form and Divock Origi has barely played for Liverpool this season. Behind Romelu Lukaku, he is the rightful choice and should get the nod under Roberto Martinez.
His case will also be helped by appearing regularly in top-flight football. Dortmund have dropped to the 6th spot of the Bundesliga table but are still contending for a Champions League qualification spot. They only have youngsters Alexander Isak and Maximilian Philipp behind the Gabon-international in the forward position and will heavily rely on the services of Batshuayi.
