Chelsea are reportedly considering using Michy Batshuayi as a makeweight to sign Christian Pulisic, who is also being targeted by Manchester United.
According to a report by Daily Mail, Borussia Dortmund are eager to permanently secure the services of Michy Batshuayi. Chelsea are looking to use this interest to their advantage by asking for Christian Pulisic in return as part of a summer deal. The American forward is also being tailed by Manchester United.
Pulisic has made quite a wave since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2015. The American prodigy initially represented the club’s under-17 side before breaking into the first-team setup at the nascent age of 17, subsequently making such a pronounced impact that he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in world football at the present moment.
Three years upon first joining Dortmund, Pulisic is now firmly established as a regular for the Bundesliga giants. And despite boasting a modest return so far this season – four goals and three assists in 28 appearances – a gamut of clubs are interested in signing him, with Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester United among the front-runners.
At Manchester United, there’s no player who can provide width on the right side of attack, with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial all excelling on the opposite flank instead. The American attacker is, thus, a viable target, with his ability to play through the middle also a potential asset.
Michy Batshuayi has played 3 games for Borussia Dortmund this season and has already scored more goals than 88% of their squad.
Only 4 players are above him. ? pic.twitter.com/NUTkOk7RPl
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 15, 2018
Chelsea’s interest in Pulisic, though, is more recent. The Blues do look in need of reinforcements in attack, with neither Willian nor Pedro managing to provide ample support to Eden Hazard. The Belgian’s uncertain future also puts the West Londoners in a precarious situation, making the need to bolster attack an urgent one for Antonio Conte.
Chelsea have, in fact, been monitoring Pulisic’s progress for well over a year now, and are now ready to push for a move in the summer. As per the report, the Blues feel they might have an ace up their sleeve, with Dortmund interested in signing Batshuayi.
The Belgian striker has been in tremendous form since joining on a loan spell till the end of the season in the January transfer window, scoring five goals in three games. Dortmund are now eager to make the deal a permanent one, and Chelsea are looking to use this interest to their advantage.
In Batshuayi, they potentially hold a bargaining chip to drive down Pulisic’s price, usurping Manchester United in the process. And while Dortmund could be unwilling to sell the youngster, the player himself has made it clear that he would be interested in a future move to the Premier League.
Batshuayi is potentially an expendable player in Conte’s squad after Olivier Giroud’s arrival last month. But, the Belgian’s form may turn prompt Chelsea to keep hold of the player too, although they might pounce on the prospect of signing Pulisic in a deal that includes the striker as a makeweight.
