Michy Batshuayi Offered Chelsea Exit by Crystal Palace and West Ham

Michy Batshuayi could have his difficult stay at Chelsea ended this summer, with West Ham and Crystal Palace among the candidates to take him away from Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian international went on loan to Selhurst Park last season, and his former club are one of the favourites to sign him, as well as interest from another former club in Marseille.

Belgian news outlet Het Laatste have reported that Batshuayi is set to leave Chelsea this summer as he enters the final year of his contract, with the Blues set to recoup less than half of the £33m they paid Marseille for him in 2016.

Batshuayi has never managed to command a first team place in Chelsea's squad, only making 77 appearances for them in the four seasons since he signed, many of those from the bench. He hasn't yet convinced a loan club on his performances to the point of securing a move – Valencia even cutting his spell short after three goals in 23 games – but will be available cheaper than ever this summer.

Palace are likely to face Premier League competition from West Ham, should they avoid relegation. Other interested clubs include Marseille and Monaco. who may look to bring him back to France – where he impressed enough for Chelsea to shell out on him in the first place.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard will be looking to replace Batshuayi with his countryman Dries Mertens, who will be available on a free transfer this summer after his contract with Napoli ends – provided he doesn't sign a previously-rumoured extension.

Mertens would provide a lot more versatility than Batshuayi, with the ability to play out wide or behind the striker; allowing Tammy Abraham time to develop while providing an alternative to the potentially-departing pair of Pedro and Willian.