Michy Batshuayi is the only loser if Chelsea purchase a new striker

Rumors of Chelsea searching for a striker are becoming the most prevalent. The only current striker that will lose if it happens is Michy Batshuayi.

Chelsea were linked to striker after striker in January. Some of those targets were fine (Edin Dzeko). Some were absolutely not fine (Ashley Barnes). The Blues eventually succeeded in their search with the purchase of Olivier Giroud.

Once more Chelsea are being linked to strikers. There is next to nothing reputable to reports linking Chelsea to both Robert Lewandowski and Mauro Icardi.

Chelsea supporters rejoiced as they believed it was the end of Alvaro Morata’s Chelsea career. After a hot start, a slump has largely caused the fans to turn on him. But the only striker who will lose if Chelsea purchase a new one is Michy Batshuayi.

Batshuayi was already loaned away to Dortmund (who would likely love to buy him). He started extremely well, cooled mightedly and looks to have leveled off. If Chelsea avoid buying a striker, he is likely to return and be the backup striker again (regardless of manager). Potentially, Chelsea could switch to a two striker formation and Batshuayi would partner Morata.

But that goes out the window if Chelsea buy big. Batshuayi is the most expendable of Chelsea’s current strikers.

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The Blues simply will not give up on Morata after a season. He came for a club record fee, like Fernando Torres at the time and Chelsea kept him around for years. The management is also likely to understand that Morata’s injury issues, personal issues and move to a new country have been factors. At worst, Morata becomes the backup with plenty of rotation and off the bench minutes.

Then there is Giroud. When the season ends, he will have only a season left on his contract. As a result, he will be immovable. Giroud is also used to playing the bench role and would likely be content with being the third choice striker for a year.

Batshuayi would not. He was patient for a long time but eventually looked for a move to find playing time. That was what was best for him and Chelsea. But a new striker would push Batshuayi out of the club first.

The Belgian is already away and the club he is at would surely like to buy if possible. Furthermore, if Batshuayi came back to Chelsea, he would be third choice at best. That would suit Giroud at his age and with a year left on his contract. That would not suit Batshuayi as he approaches his prime.

There is the possibility of loaning Batshuayi again, buying a new striker and then bringing Batshuayi back when Giroud leaves. Again, that still leaves Batshuayi far down the depth chart.

All this is not to mention Tammy Abraham. Abraham is not ready for Chelsea yet by any means. But a young player with dreams of playing for the club could be content with a role Batshuayi would balk at.

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So no matter who Chelsea buy as a striker (if they do), Batshuayi will be the expendable one. Not Morata. Those in support of Icardi or Lewandowski to Chelsea need to be aware that it will cost the club Batshuayi.