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| Chelsea have completed the signing of Michy Batshuayi for an undisclosed fee. (Picture: Twitter) |
Chelsea have beaten their competition to the signing of highly-rated striker Michy Batshuayi from Marseille for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old was part of the Belgium squad that reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, and joins international team-mates Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge.
Batshuayi was one of the bright lights in a poor season for L’OM, who finished just eight points above the relegation zone in 13th place.
After scoring 17 goals in 36 Ligue 1 appearances last term, the Standard Liege youth product attracted interest from Crystal Palace, West Ham and Juventus.
The Eagles were even reported to have had a £31.6 million bid accepted by the French club, but the Blues have stolen a march on their London rivals by finalising a five-year contract for Batshuayi on Sunday.
“I am delighted to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe and embark on the next chapter in my career. I hope I can help Chelsea win many trophies during my time at Stamford Bridge,” he told the club’s official website.
“[Fellow Belgium internationals] 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 for myself and my family, I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League next season.”
Batshuayi thanked Marseille fans in a goodbye message, saying: “I hope I can keep making you proud with my new club, and will continue to follow closely the results of OM. I hope the club can recover the results they deserve.”