Michy Batshuayi Completes Transfer to Chelsea

Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi has found a home in the Premier League, as he completed his transfer on Sunday.

Continue for updates.

---

Batshuayi Confirms Departure

Sunday, July 3

Chelsea announced Batshuayi's arrival and provided a statement from him on their official website:

"

I am delighted to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe and embark on the next chapter in my career. I hope I can help Chelsea win many trophies during my time at Stamford Bridge.

Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois have told me many good things about the club, and with Antonio Conte coming in it's an exciting time to become a Chelsea player.

This is a fantastic opportunity for myself and my family, I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League next season.

"

Alex Young of Goal.com noted on Saturday that Batshuayi posted on his Twitter account confirming he would leave Marseille but did not note his destination at the time.

"The 22-year-old is expected to be granted special dispensation to leave the Belgium squad, preparing for Friday’s quarter-final against Wales in Lille, and undertake a medical day before signing a five-year contract with Chelsea," per Dominic Fifield of the Guardian on June 29.

Sky Sports News HQ would later report Batshuayi passed his medical.

---

Spurs Hoping to Clinch Batshuayi Deal

Tuesday, June 28

"Tottenham are confident of signing Batshuayi in spite of Crystal Palace having agreed to pay £31 million for the Marseille striker," per Sami Mokbel of MailOnline. "The Belgium international has yet to agree to any move but the French club need to sell before July 5 to avoid a transfer embargo."

---

Batshuayi to Reject Palace Opportunity

Tuesday, June 28

"Batshuayi has indicated that he will reject the chance to join Crystal Palace after the London club had an offer of up to £30 million accepted by Marseilles last night," per Gary Jacob of the Times.

Ed Aarons of the Guardian reported on Monday that Crystal Palace have agreed to a €38 million (£31.7 million) fee for Batshuayi. Aarons reported that the deal "includes a significant bonus payment and sell-on clause, with his former club Standard Liege due 35 per cent of any sale due to the existence of a previous clause."

---

Hammers Reportedly Table Offer for Batshuayi

Friday, June 24

West Ham have reportedly made an offer for Batshuayi worth roughly £28 million, joining Juventus in the race to land the Belgian.

Sky Sports News HQ confirmed the news, while L'Equipe (h/t Mohammed Ali) elaborated on the figures:

Sky Sports provided more information via Facebook:

---

Batshuayi Cashed In on Stellar Campaign

Batshuayi enjoyed a breakout season in 2015-16, scoring an impressive 17 goals and adding nine assists in Ligue 1 for an underwhelming Marseille squad, per WhoScored.com.

Per Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia), Marseille had no choice but to sell and must do so before the end of the month of June, as they desperately need the money to balance their books. Juventus are trying to force the French club into a sale on the Bianconeri's terms, while West Ham are willing to agree to their valuation.

The 22-year-old has long been regarded as a special talent, and he finally put everything together last year. Blessed with pace, raw strength and superb vision, he's effective as a poacher and target man but can also do damage in open space.

Batshuayi is a superb finisher who doesn't need a lot of looks on goal to score, and he has already proved he's not overly reliant on team-mates, as Marseille failed to surround him with the talent he needed to truly shine.