Chelsea news: Antonio Conte targets replacement in January for Michy Batshuayi
ANTONIO CONTE is on the hunt for a new striker as he will let Michy Batshuayi leave Chelsea on loan, reports claim.
Batshuayi has been marginalised by Conte this term at Chelsea and the majority of his appearances have come as a substitute.
The form of Alvaro Morata this season has also prevented Batshuayi from holding down a starting spot.
In the 1-0 defeat to West Ham yesterday, the Belgian remained on the bench and he didn’t get on to the pitch.
And now according to the Sun on Sunday, Conte will release the 24-year-old.
The report suggests Batshuayi will be loaned out, so as to improve his chances of making the World Cup.
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Then you have to play (Eden) Hazard there and change a lot of things. So I think maybe a backup striker
West Ham were supposedly interested in striking a deal for the ex-Marseille star, but Conte decided to keep hold onto him.
Last month, Frank Lampard suggested Conte should sign a new striker.
He said: “I think they need to add (in January).
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“If you’re looking at Morata there, Batshuayi has come in and had moments where he’s scored but seemingly not (Conte doesn’t trust him).
“Then you have to play (Eden) Hazard there and change a lot of things. So I think maybe a backup striker.”
Chelsea's defeat to West Ham leaves them 11 points adrift of Manchester City, who are away to Manchester United later today (4.30pm).
