Michy Batshuayi’s Chelsea future in doubt as club search for new striker in January transfer window
MICHY BATSHUAYI'S future at Chelsea is in doubt after the club began searching for a new striker to sign in Janaury.
Blues boss Antonio Conte had told his board he needs more attacking options in his squad and wants someone brought in over the transfer window.
Conte started the season insistent he should have more attacking options in his group in the knowledge Diego Costa would be sold to Atletico Madrid.
And Batshuayi's unconvincing display in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to bottom club Crystal Palace has only strengthened the manager's believe a signing has to be made.
The 24-year-old was given a rare starting opportunity against Palace with Alvaro Morata missing the match at Selhurst Park through injury.
But he was hauled off after 57 minutes having failed to make any impact on the game and once again disappointing when he was given a chance.
With Morata returning to full training this week he is likely to come back into the side for the Champions League clash with Roma on Wednesday.
And now there are understood to be doubts among the Chelsea hierarchy that Batshuayi will have much of a future at the club.
The warning signs were already there for the former Marseille player in the summer when Contre tried to sign Fernando Llorente from Swansea.
The Spaniard looked to be heading to Stamford Bridge and would have been ahead of Batshuayi in the pecking order had he not opted to join Tottenham instead.
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There was even the chance Llorente's arrival would have seen Batshuayi shipped out on loan - with West Ham one of the clubs who had shown interest.
The Telegraph claim Conte is an admirer of Palace striker Christian Benteke, even though he is currently sidelined with injury.
And there are claims the club will also be sending scouts to watch Red Star Belgrade striker Richmond Boakye in action against Arsenal in the Europe League.
With Conte continuing to make it clear to his bosses that he wants more players made available to him in his squad, the club seem likely to be active in when the transfer window opens in just over two months.
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