Conte Opens Up On Transfer Plans for Michy Batshuayi

Antonio Conte has revealed that Michy Batshuayi will not be sent on loan in January.

The 23-year-old striker who only just joined Chelsea from Marseille last summer transfer window, has not had the best of time due to his lack of playing chances.

However, Conte has insisted that Batshuayi will not leave the club next month.

‘I won’t let him go on loan,’ said the Chelsea manager.

‘He’s a new player for Chelsea and to go on loan now is a defeat for the club and for me. Every decision I make is because I want to win. I try to make the best decision for the team but I am sure Michy will have the possibility to play in the future.

‘I wanted to give him the opportunity to play and have another appearance and it happened at the end.

‘We have to continue to work with him every day to try together to improve him, and to bring him to the best condition to help us in this league. We need him.

The Belgium international was expected to start in place of suspended Diego Costa in the victory against Bournemouth but the Italian boss opted to start Eden Hazard in a central striking role.

Batshuayi can only hope his playing chances increase at the Stamford Bridge due to the brilliant form Diego Costa has found this season, leading the scoring chart with 13 goals.