Chelsea stumped as Atletico muscle in on £35m transfer deal while Arsenal consider options

Three clubs are reportedly in the running to sign Michy Batshuayi

ATLETICO MADRID are ready to hijack Chelsea's bid to sign Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi, according to reports.

 

It emerged earlier this week that Chelsea and Liga side Valencia were both in for Batshuayi.

Marseille have already set a high valuation on their Belgium international at £35million.

But Italian sports site Calciomercato claim Atletico are not deterred by the fee.

 

It is claimed Atletico manager Diego Simeone is keen to land 22-year-old Batshuayi before another Champions League club complete the deal.

Valencia are believed to have sourced out the striker as an alternative force in their attacking line should playmaker Alvaro Negredo be sold in January.

Arsenal were also said to have scouted out the player but it appears their attention has turned towards other targets.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are said to be seeking a new striker following Diego Costa and Radamel Falcao's disappointing goals tallies so far this season.

 

However, the club are unlikely to match Marseille's valuation after remaining fairly frugal in the previous transfer window - handing Atletico greater hope in completing a winter deal.

"There is not a club in the top 15 in the world that is not interested in Batshuayi," Marseille president Jean-Michel Aulas reportedly said last week.

"He is one of the most wanted players in the market.

"There were plenty of offers for him this summer but he would not leave.

"If clubs want him they will pay the price. About £35m (€50m)!"