Chelsea officially beats Crystal Palace, West Ham to signing of Michy Batshuayi

Chelsea announced the signing of Michy Batshuayi on Sunday, confirming rumors that the Blues had beaten out Crystal Palace and others including Juventus and West Ham to his signature.

The 22-year-old comes from Olympique Marseille for a reported $44 million, where he scored 17 goals in 36 Ligue 1 appearances.

Batshuayi has seven caps for the Belgian national team, although he only started in one of those. He scored his first international goal after coming off the bench in the 4-0 win over Hungary. According to reports, he was allowed to leave the Belgian Euro 2016 training facility at times last week to visit London for the necessary procedures involved with the transfer.

It’s official! Welcome to @ChelseaFC, Michy Batshuayi! https://t.co/wZIjQm5DSe
#WelcomeMichy pic.twitter.com/bigpsiuDkX

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 3, 2016

Speaking to the Chelsea official website, Batshuyai said his Belgian teammates convinced him Stamford Bridge is the place for him. “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 is a product of the Standard Liege youth system in his home country of Belgium, and moved to Marseille in the summer of 2014 for $7 million.

“Above all, I particularly want to thank all the supporters of OM: during my two years with the club I have loved since I was young, you have shown me your affection and support. It’s a big honor for me to have worn this jersey at the Velodrome, a stadium which you have made magnificent with an atmosphere which is unique in France.”

CREDIT TO:http://soccer.nbcsports.com/2016/07/03/chelsea-officially-beats-crystal-palace-west-ham-to-signing-of-michy-batshuayi/