Cascarino: Batshuayi should leave in January
Former Chelsea man Tony Cascarino believes Michy Batshuayi should leave the Blues when the transfer window opens in January.
As quoted by the Evening Standard, Cascarino made reference to the links with Fernando Llorente in the summer to imply that Antonio Conte is not a great fan of Batshuayi.
When you are at a club and they are tring to sign a 32-year-old, 6ft 4in striker [Fernando Llorente] who would make you the third-choice No.9, then it’s clear the manager doesn’t rate you.
The Belgian international has been inconsistent this season, and has struggled to stamp his mark on proceedings at Stamford Bridge since his move in 2016.
That’s the situation Batshuayi has found himself in at Chelsea. And even though Antonio Conte didn’t sign Fernando Llorente, he’s still trying to not play Batshuayi.
Batshuayi has been the hero on occasions, such as when he secured the Premier League title for the Blues against West Brom last season and, more recently, his last gasp winner in the Champions League at Atletico Madrid.
Against Manchester City last month, Conte replaced the injured Alvaro Morata with Willian after 35 minutes, then when they were chasing a goal against Crystal Palace he subbed Batshuayi on 57 minutes.
However, he has recently come under fire following a hugely underwhelming display against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
How many arrows can be fired into his back? Conte clearly doesn’t rate him and that rubs off on the fans, who think he’s not good enough.
Alvaro Morata is back in full training and is expected to begin leading the line once again, but Batshuayi will know that he has to do more with the chances he receives.
It’s clear that his future lies elsewhere and I think he will leave the club in January.