North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are set to go head to head during the January transfer window as they look to sign Michy Batshuayi.
The Olympique de Marseille forward has built on his promising showings in France last term to emerge as one of the most menacing hitmen in Ligue 1. He bagged seven goals in 25 showings last term—his first in the French top flight—and has already found the net on 10 occasions in 17 appearances so far this season.
He has proved influential this term as OM have fought back after a miserable start to the campaign to move up to tenth in the French top flight.
His performances have prompted interest from clubs higher up the food chain, with Chelsea rumoured to be keen on the forward as a potential replacement for off-colour Diego Costa [Fichajes via Metro].
The same report notes that OM president Vincent Labrune would be willing to accept bids of £24.5m for the forward.
However, the Pensioners face some considerable competition for the Belgian international, with the Telegraph reporting that both of their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are keen on the two-footed frontman.
Batshuayi would be an intriguing alternative for Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott, neither of whom have wholly convinced as leading men for title contenders.
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While Spurs have shone so far this season, they remain dependent on Harry Kane, and an injury to the England international could derail the Lilywhites’ campaign.