Batshuayi is first deal for Conte
CHELSEA made Michy Batshuayi their first signing of the Antonio Conte era yesterday as the striker arrived for £33million from Marseille on a five-year contract. The Belgium striker was at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground to complete the deal after the clubs agreed a fee earlier in the week. Crystal Palace and West Ham were also keen on the 22-year-old but Chelsea beat their London rivals to the signing. Batshuayi revealed how Belgium team-mates Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois had given him advice before completing his transfer. Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Batshuayi said: ‘I am delighted to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe and embark on the next chapter in my career. ‘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.’ Batshuayi began his career at Standard Liege and joined Marseille in the summer of 2014, scoring 10 goals in his first season with the club. He scored 23 goals in 2015-16, including 17 in the French league, despite Marseille struggling and finishing 13th — just nine points clear of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Arsenal have struck a deal to sign Japan forward Takuma Asano, 21, from J-League club Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The move is subject to a medical and work permit.