Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Oscar, Michy Batshuayi Rumours

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has aimed a veiled parting shot at midfielder Oscar, insisting that in his team, "before the money must be the passion."

The Brazil international looks set to join Shanghai SIPG for around £60 million in January, with Oscar telling Sportv (h/t BBC Sport) that the transfer is "90 per cent certain" to be completed.

When asked about what will be a remarkable move, the Italian coach spoke about the qualities he wants to see from players in his group, per Kieran Gill of the Daily Mail:

"

The most important thing for us must be the passion. The passion for football. If you have not got that, it is no good. No good. I repeat: this concept is very important. Before the money must be the passion, the passion for the sport, for football.

We started to play when we were children without money and only for the passion. Then came money but the passion is more important than money for me. The Premier League is a great opportunity for players and for coaches, to fight for the title against fantastic players and coaches.

England is the best in the world if you have ambition to test yourself against the other teams. To play in this league is a great opportunity, an honour.

"

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According to Luke Augustus and Chris Cutmore of MailOnline, the switch will see Oscar become the highest-paid footballer on the planet, as he will take home a staggering £400,000 per week with this new club.

As noted by Football365's Daniel Storey, Chelsea have cultivated a fine reputation for getting big money for outgoing players:

While Oscar is a talent, this deal will surely delight those tied to the Stamford Bridge club.

After all, the Brazilian has only played a minimal role in the Blues' 11-game Premier League winning run, with no place for a natural No. 10 in Conte's 3-4-3 system. Even when looking for inspiration from the substitutes' bench, the manager has turned to the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Willian over the ex-Internacional man.

For Oscar, the move will make him a very wealthy man, although it's unlikely to improve him as a footballer. While the Chinese Super League is on the up, in terms of quality and intensity, it doesn't compare to other elite European divisions.

West Ham Want Michy Batshuayi Loan

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According to Andrew Dillon of The Sun, West Ham United will look to land Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi on loan in the January transfer window.

The report added that the Belgium international forward is becoming "frustrated" at a role on the bench at Stamford Bridge and that the Irons will hope to capitalise. West Ham, according to Dillon, were close to signing Batshuayi in the summer before the Blues made their move.

After leaving Olympique de Marseille, the 23-year-old showed signs of brilliant early promise, although he's recently had to watch Diego Costa light the league up with some stunning performances; Batshuayi has yet to start a Premier League game.

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Despite these frustrations, according to Het Laatste Nieuws' Kristof Terreur, the Blues are not ready to let the forward leave:

That's understandable because if Costa were to pick up an injury or a suspension, Chelsea would be short up front. Indeed, with so many games to come over the festive period, it would be no surprise to see Batshuayi get some chances to show what he can do.

When those opportunities do arise, it's important he showcases the energy and incision that made him such a force for Marseille. While that's unlikely to see him oust Costa, Conte has always showcased a willingness to be flexible in his tactics, especially for players in fine form.