Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has confirmed the club’s interest in signing Michy Batshuayi on a permanent deal from Chelsea.
“The interest to sign him does generally exist,” Watzke told Sport Bild on Friday, adding: “Chelsea already have two centre-forwards in [Alvaro] Morata and [Olivier] Giroud. First, we have to wait who will be coaching Chelsea next season. Then we’ll see what is possible.”
Dortmund are, however, only ready to offer between €40-45 million, according to reports, seeing a reported asking price of €58m for the striker as too steep.
Batshuayi joined Dortmund on loan from Chelsea in January on a deal that runs out at the end of this campaign, replacing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who joined Arsenal during the winter break.
The Belgium international made the move to the Westfalenstadion in search of more playing time ahead of the World Cup. He scored nine goals and picking up one assist in 14 games for the Black and Yellows.
However, he will miss the rest of the season and is a doubt to represent Belgium at the World Cup after injuring ankle ligaments during Sunday’s derby defeat against Schalke.
The 24-year-old was taken off on a stretcher late in the Ruhr derby, having appeared to roll his ankle, and the striker confirmed Dortmund’s fears on Monday.
“Well its not good news for now, my season is probably over, and i won’t be able to pay @BVB back for their confidence,” Batshuayi wrote on Twitter. “Thank you all the amazing amount of love I received since yesterday. Wishing my teammates the best for the final days. See you soon.”
Dortmund’s statement confirming Batshuayi’s injury said it was “in the realm of possibility” he could recover in time for the World Cup.
The centre-forward appeared in half of Belgium’s World Cup qualifiers, scoring once in two starts and three substitute appearances.
Belgium will face Panama, Tunisia and England in the group stage at the World Cup in June.
Stefan Buczko covers Borussia Dortmund for ESPN FC. Twitter: @StefanBuczko.
Be the first to comment