If Chelsea’s interest in Andy Carroll is genuine could West Ham use it to land Michy Batshuayi?
Andy Carroll of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal during the Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion.
In arguably the most surprising transfer story of the January window so far, the Daily Mail reports that Chelsea are interested in signing Andy Carroll from West Ham United on loan.
Blues manager Antonio Conte is understood to want cover for Alvaro Morata and believes Carroll has the right attributes to be competition for the Spain international.
Alvaro Morata of Chelsea misses a chance during the Premier League match against Arsenal.
If true then this is a further damning indictment of how Conte rates Michy Batshuayi, who has struggled for any consistent game time at Stamford Bridge since his 2016 switch from Marseille.
Of his 47 first team appearances for the West Londoners only 14 have been starts. When just looking at the Premier League that number falls even further, with just three starts from 31 outings.
Yet despite the lack of opportunities Batshuayi has still managed to score a respectable 16 goals. During the same period Carroll has netted nine in 35 games and is also five years older (the striker celebrates his 29th birthday tomorrow, January 6).
Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea is challenged by Michael Keane of Everton during the Premier League match at Goodison Park.
If Hammers boss David Moyes could use Conte’s interest in the England international to his advantage to see Batshuayi come the other way on loan then he could greatly improve his attack without any significant financial outlay.
If given the opportunity and regular time on the pitch the 24-year-old could prove to be a far more consistent performer than Carroll; especially as the Belgian does not have the same fitness concerns.
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