
Michy
Batshuayi has rejoined Crystal Palace on a season-long loan from Chelsea
after signing a one-year contract extension at Stamford Bridge.
Batshuayi's previous deal was due to expire next summer but he will now
remain a Chelsea player until 2022.
The Belgium international returns to Palace on loan after scoring six goals
in 13 appearances during a four-month spell with the Eagles in 2019.
"I feel like I'm home now, so it's good. But I need to do a good season
here, to work a lot with my team-mates and I want to do my best here,"
Batshuayi told Crystal Palace's website.
"It's not my first time here. I know the team-mates, I know the gaffer, I
know how the club works here. For me, it's the best decision.
"I'm happy, the coach is happy, my team-mates are happy. Let's get to work."
Batshuayi's arrival boosts Roy Hodgson's attacking options ahead of Palace's
opening game of the season against Southampton on Saturday.
"I am very happy we have secured Michy on a season long loan," Hodgson
added.
"He made a great impact at the club in his previous loan spell, albeit only
five months long, displaying a goal scoring threat which we very much needed
at that time and we are confident he will produce again.
"As a player who will help to convert our chances in to goals, Michy will be
another valuable addition to the two new signings we have made this summer.
"It's another boost for the players and fans alike, and I'm sure everyone
will join me in saying welcome back Michy."
Batshuayi has dropped to fourth choice in the pecking order at Stamford
Bridge - behind Timo Werner, Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham.
He did not play a single minute under Frank Lampard after a substitute
appearance against Bournemouth on February 29.
But having signed Batshuayi, Palace cannot bring in Chelsea midfielder Conor
Gallagher on loan as Premier League rules stipulate a club cannot loan more
than one player from another club in the same transfer window.
Palace plan Boga bid if Zaha leaves
Palace are lining up Sassuolo forward Jeremie Boga as a replacement for
Wilfried Zaha.
Zaha is determined to leave Selhurst Park during the current transfer window
and Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Monaco have all shown an
interest in the 27-year-old.
If Zaha gets his wish and exits Palace, Roy Hodgson's side are set to target
Boga - but are likely to face stiff competition for the Ivory Coast
international.
Napoli have already offered £27m for Boga, while Rennes tabled a £20m offer
earlier this week. Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen are also set to enter the
bidding, with Sassuolo asking for more than £30m.