Report: Aston Villa reeling as Chelsea demand £45m for Michy Batshuayi

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Aston Villa have reportedly been left reeling after learning that Chelsea want £45 million for Michy Batshuayi, with The Sun on Sunday (12/1; page 63) reporting that the Blues are not willing to loan the Belgian out this month.

Batshuayi’s future had a question mark hanging over it after a difficult first-half of the season. The 26-year-old has made 12 Premier League appearances this term, but he is yet to start a single game in the top flight.

The Sun on Sunday (12/1; page 63) reports that the Villans and Crystal Palace had been looking at signing Batshuayi this month. However, it appears that a move is no longer on the table.

The report suggests that Chelsea have told Batshuayi’s admirers that he will not be loaned out, and it will cost £45 million to sign him permanently.

TBR View – Villa need to look elsewhere

After such a busy summer, it is difficult to imagine Villa having any interest in going anywhere near Batshuayi’s asking price. He is clearly a very good striker, but it does look to be a very surprising demand from Chelsea.

The Sun on Sunday notes that Batshuayi’s contract expires at the end of next season. So perhaps Villa should continue to monitor events in case his asking price drops significantly.

But Dean Smith should arguably focus his attention elsewhere for the time-being. The Villans desperately need a new goalscorer in as soon as possible.

The latest report suggests Batshuayi is not going to be the answer to Villa’s prayers this month.