The Pride of London
Fansided

Eden Hazard urges Michy Batshuayi to ‘find a solution’ amidst Chelsea’s Llorente pursuit

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Eden Hazard of Chelsea replaces Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea during The Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Eden Hazard of Chelsea replaces Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea during The Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Chelsea star Eden Hazard has told his teammate, Michy Batshuayi, to ‘find a solution’ as the Blues reportedly close in on a deal for Fernando Llorente.

In a rather striking press conference, Eden Hazard has openly admitted that Michy Batshuayi may have to leave Chelsea to progress. Asked about his domestic and international teammate, the Belgian seemed to hint that the Blues are close to deal for Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente and thus Batshuayi should looke elsewhere.

"He is now 23. If he wants to move forward, he has to play. I do not know if Llorente still comes but if we have Llorente, Morata and he, it will be difficult…As a friend, I recommend him to find a solution to play. – Metro"

It’s not too much of a leap to interpret the ‘solution’ as a loan or permanent move. Batshuayi barely played for the Blues last season, being confined to late substitute role. Even though he scored the goal that handed Chelsea the Premier League crown, he was very much an extra on the set.

After a scintillating pre-season, many Batshuayi fans hoped that the Belgian would kick on. However, he thoroughly disappointed when afforded the start against Arsenal (Community Shield) and Burnley on the opening day.

Transfer Crisis: Chelsea are in a pickle following failed bids and rejection

He then came on against Tottenham Hotspur only to head the ball into his own net.

With reports suggesting that a Llorente deal could be closed on transfer deadline day, it leaves Batshuayi in a tricky situation. He would probably slip behind the veteran in the pecking order, given his fantastic goalscoring record for the Swans last season.

At the age of 23, Batshuayi desperately needs regular top-level football to fulfill his potential. Hazard is absolutely correct in what he is saying, even if he probably shouldn’t being saying it so publicly.

Chelsea, though, should be focussing on more important transfers. Llorente would objectively be a decent signing, but the Blues need a wingback and a midfielder more than a second/third striker. Deals for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Drinkwater and Ross Barkley appear to have fallen through and time is running out.

Next: Diego Costa deal may put Chelsea in a worse negotiating position

So what do you think of all this? Should Batshuayi head on loan if Llorente is signed? Or are you wondering why Chelsea are signing a striker when there are greater needs? Let us know in the comments below!

Home/Chelsea FC Transfer Rumours