Michy Batshuayi to leave on loan if Chelsea sign Edin Dzeko, confirms Antonio Conte

Simon Johnson24 January 2018

Antonio Conte has confirmed for the first time that Michy Batshuayi will leave Chelsea on loan if the club sign another forward this month.

Chelsea are still in talks with Roma over a double deal that will see striker Edin Dzeko and left wing-back Emerson Palmieri move to Stamford Bridge.

Standard Sport revealed last month that Batshuayi wants to play elsewhere for the rest of the season to help improve his chances of making Belgium's World Cup squad.

Kenedy has been allowed to go to Newcastle for the rest of the campaign with Chelsea certain to complete a deal for Emerson at the very least.

And when talking about Batshuayi's situation, Conte admitted he is prepared to grant the Belgian's wish to go.

He said: "It's the same as Kenedy. If arrives another striker, then Batshuayi will go on loan. I think he wants to have the opportunity to play with regularity. I think this is right.

"If we stay with the same players from the start of the season, it doesn't change. One player goes out, one player comes in. One player comes in, one player goes out.

"I think we have to try in every moment to be honest with our players. I don't know if another striker will arrive for Chelsea.

"But, in this case, I don't want to send away any player. But a lot of times it's the player saying he prefers to go away to have the possibility to play regularly. Then you have to show you deserve to play every game.”

Getty Images

Batshuayi made just his fourth league start in the 4-0 win against Brighton on Saturday since Chelsea bought him from Marseille for £33.1m in 2016.

He linked up well with Willian and Eden Hazard, but Conte has dropped a major hint that he won't face be in the first XI to face Arsenal in the EFL Cup tomorrow night.

He added: "I don't know if this is the right time. I think that every player had their chance to play and to show me their value. Now I think I have to make the best decision for the team.

"Every game is different. The quality of your opponent is different. I have to make the best decision to try and exploit my players in the best way.

"Our job is not simple, not easy. We have to try to make the best decision every time for the team. And to try to improve our players. Sometimes we are able, sometimes we are not able. But you have to do your best to reach your target.”

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