Chelsea FC announced a major summer transfer window acquisition in striker Michy Batshuayi. The Belgian joins Chelsea from Ligue 1 club Marseille, after completion of international duty at Euro 2016. Belgium had a supposedly easy path to the European Championship title match, but saw their hopes dashed by underdog Wales. Chelsea unveiled Batshuayi today, who was linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs after scoring 17 goals in the French top flight last season.
The 22-year-old has attracted offers from West Ham and Crystal Palace while Belgium team-mate Toby Alderweireld said that he hoped Batshuayi would join him at Tottenham Hotspur next season.
It’s official! Welcome to @ChelseaFC, Michy Batshuayi! https://t.co/wZIjQm5DSe
#WelcomeMichy pic.twitter.com/bigpsiuDkX— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 3, 2016
Thank youuuu ? it feels good to be here (my english is bad .. sorry ??) https://t.co/Jmk8eSWcE2
— Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) July 3, 2016
A statement on the club’s official website reads:
“I am delighted to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe and embark on the next chapter in my career.”
“I hope I can help Chelsea win many trophies during my time at Stamford Bridge.”
“[Fellow Belgium internationals] Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois have told me many good things about the club, and with Antonio Conte coming in it’s an exciting time to become a Chelsea player.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity for myself and my family, I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League next season.”
Does the acquisition of this new striker now mean that Diego Costa is out the door? Costa has made no secret of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.
Batshuyai also said his goodbyes to Marseille fans on his social media platform, as he wrote: “I hope I can keep making you proud with my new club, and will continue to follow closely the results of OM. I hope the club can recover the results they deserve.”
Batshuyai is the first signing of the summer transfer window for the Blues, and thus the first addition made under new manager Antonio Conte.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication.
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