Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, is ready to let Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi leave on loan as he is planning a reunion with Fernando Llorente.
Batshuayi joined Chelsea in the summer on a big money move from Marseille, but he has failed to live up to the expectations at the Bridge. He has been handed only 105 minutes of first team action, and is yet to start a Premier League game under Conte.
Although the Italian has backed him publicly, it is day light clear from his actions that he is not fully convinced with the Belgian. Conte is looking to sign an experienced striker, who can play a second fiddle to Diego Costa.
Conte is open to bringing in new players in January, with £52m burning a hole in his pocket following the departure of Oscar to the Chinese Super League. According to journalist, Gianluca Di Marzio, Llorente could link up with the Italian boss again.
Llorente could be a good addition to the Chelsea squad. Conte has previously worked with him during his time at Juventus, and he remains a big fan of the 31-year-old striker. The Spaniard has impressed in his short spell at the Liberty Stadium, with six goals to his name so far.
The former Sevilla striker admitted recently that he is happy at Swansea and is not aware of the potential interest from Chelsea. He also added that Conte was the best coach he had ever worked with.
He said, as quoted by AS:
To be honest, I know nothing about that [Chelsea transfer link]. Right now I am focused exclusively on Swansea, and in resolving this complicated situation we are in
My experiences working with Conte at Juve was fantastic. He’s the best coach I’ve had in my career and I wish him the very best. I knew that he’d do well in the Premier League because he’s a winner and he works very hard. I really enjoyed the year I spent with him at Juve and I wish him well at Chelsea.
Should Llorente arrive in January, it could pave the way for Batshuayi to leave on loan till the end of the season. West Ham and Crystal Palace could be interested in signing him, while a move to France cannot be completely ruled out either.
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