Crystal Palace are said to be interested in signing Olivier Giroud from Chelsea – though it appears they are unlikely to fight for the signature of Michy Batshuayi from the Stamford Bridge club, due to the Eagles’ inability to pay his salary, according to the Daily Express.
While Palace are thought to be one of a number of clubs interested in the Blues’ World Cup-winning Frenchman – alongside the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Lyon – it is claimed that while Frank Lampard’s side are open to selling ex-Palace loanee Batshuayi this summer, but Roy Hodgson’s side “cannot afford his wages”.
Batshuayi joined Palace on a loan deal back in January 2019, before returning to Stamford Bridge at the end of the 2018/19 season. The striker’s brief spell at Palace was one of a number of loan deals the striker has completed since originally signing for Chelsea back in 2016.
During his spell at Selhurst Park, the Belgium international made just 13 appearances for the club in which he managed to score six goals (per Transfermarkt).
Should Crystal Palace try and sign Batshuayi on a permanent basis this summer?
Yes
No
This season has been particularly disappointing for the 26-year-old back at his parent club. In the Premier League, Batshuayi has only started one match and made 15 appearances coming off the substitutes’ bench (per WhoScored).
These appearances have only seen the Belgian score one goal and provide one assist throughout the season so far.
His performances in the top flight have resulted in the striker being awarded a disappointing season rating of 6.1/10, making him the second-lowest-rated player in the Chelsea squad during the campaign.
TIF Thoughts…
Given Batshuayi’s disappointing season for Chelsea so far, it may be the better option for Palace if they don’t try and bring him back to Selhurst Park this summer, even if their financial circumstances change that would allow the club to be able to afford his reported wages.