Chelsea have signed Michy Batshuayi from Marseille on a five-year contract. The 22-year-old Belgium striker, who has joined for a reported £33.2m after two years at the Stade Vélodrome, said: “I am delighted to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
“Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois have told me many good things about the club and, with Antonio Conte coming in, it’s an exciting time to become a Chelsea player. This is a fantastic opportunity.”
Batshuayi began his career at Standard Liège and joined Marseille in the summer of 2014, scoring 15 goals in his first season. He took a step forward last season with 26, including 17 in Ligue 1 even as Marseille struggled to 13th in the table.
His performances earned him a place in Belgium’s Euro 2016 squad and on his tournament debut he scored within two minutes of his introduction as a substitute against Hungary in the last-16 match.
He had been the subject of bids from West Ham United and Juventus before Crystal Palace had a £31.6m offer accepted by Marseille but he rejected a move to Selhurst Park.
