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LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea during the EFL Cup match between Chelsea and Bristol Rovers at Stamford Bridge on August 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea during the EFL Cup match between Chelsea and Bristol Rovers at Stamford Bridge on August 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Michy Batshuayi, Fresh Blues Talk

Rory MarsdenOct 7, 2016

Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi is reportedly eager to stay at Chelsea and fight for a first-team place despite recent rumours linking him with a loan return to former club Marseille.

The Belgium international has not started a league match for Chelsea since his £33 million summer move from Marseille, with Blues manager Antonio Conte consistently fielding Diego Costa as his lone striker.

However, according to Ed Aarons in the GuardianBatshuayi is happy at Chelsea and "wants to show he can make an impact under the Italian manager."

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A recent report in French newspaper Le 10 Sport (via TalkSport) indicated that Batshuayi could be loaned to Marseille in January as Conte would only allow him limited playing time.

The 23-year-old was reportedly not a signing Conte asked for, and he was instead identified by Blues sporting director Michael Emenalo, per Matt Hughes in the Times.

The fact that his five substitute appearances in the Premier League have amounted to only 53 minutes of action in Chelsea's first seven games of the season suggests the former Juventus boss has yet to find a role for him, per WhoScored.com.

HULL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01:  Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Hull City and Chelsea at KCOM Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Hull, England.  (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Per Aarons, though, Conte indicated back in July that Batshuayi would be an asset to his side this season.

"Absolutely I think Michy can make an impact because he is a young player but very strong, with good technique," he said.

"He uses two feet. He is a great talent. I am very happy that Batshuayi is with us and I know the club bought a great player for the present and the future."

The forward himself clearly thinks he can make an impact, and he will surely get his chance during a long season to prove he deserves a starting berth.

Batshuayi will not even necessarily have to displace Costa in order to break into the first team.

Per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe, Conte was widely expected to play two up front at Chelsea, as he has done in the past in his other roles:

So far in his Stamford Bridge career, he has yet to trial a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 formation but, if and when he does, Batshuayi is the obvious choice to slot in next to Costa.

Bleacher Report's Garry Hayes believes it could be an effective move:

Equally, Costa is not immune to injury and suspension, and Batshuayi is the only experienced like-for-like cover Conte has to call upon.

Despite a slow start to his Chelsea career, the Belgian will undoubtedly get his opportunities eventually, and clearly he is prepared to wait until he is given his chance under Conte. 

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