According to reports from Mirror Football, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur may have to put any plans to sign Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi on hold until the summer.
The Belgium international attracted Premier League interest last summer following a strong debut campaign at Stade Velodrome and has continued to impress this year, with eleven goals and five assists in 18 Ligue 1 appearances.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle have all been linked with the 22-year-old over the last few months, with the north London duo believed to be particularly keen.
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Spurs have stepped up their scouting of the 5 foot 11 forward ahead of the January transfer window and reports last week revealed that they’re hoping to catch rival suitors off-guard with an early bid next month.
But according to Mirror Football, Arsenal and Spurs will likely have to shelve any swoops for the £35million-rated striker until the summer – specifically, until after the 2016 European Championships.
Batshuayi reportedly has no intention of leaving Marseille midseason, fearing a move will hamper his chances of making it into Marc Wilmots’ Belgium squad.
Facing the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi – all of whom have enjoyed good form this season – for a strike slot at next summer’s tournament, the guarantee of first team football is the youngster’s priority for the second half of the season.