Michy Batshuayi winning over Antonio Conte in battle for Chelsea first-team role

Michy Batshuayi is winning his battle to convince Antonio Conte he should be part of Chelsea’s first-team squad this season.

The striker looked certain to be loaned out after starting just one League game since his £33million move from Marseille a year ago.

However, Standard Sport understands Conte is starting to have a change of heart following a series of impressive displays by the Belgium international during pre-season.

Batshuayi’s late strike in Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat by Bayern Munich here in Singapore yesterday took his tally to five from three matches.

It is believed Conte has been pleased by the 23-year-old’s all-round play in the games and, significantly, in training, too.

The Chelsea boss has consistently stated the forward needed to improve his work rate and required more time to adapt to Premier League football.

The message appears to be getting across to Batshuayi, who has impressed with his attitude.

New record buy Alvaro Morata, who joined for an initial £58m from Real Madrid last week, will be first choice up front but Conte wants at least one more forward as back-up.

Chelsea are looking to make four more signings before the transfer window closes at the end of next month and they had hoped Swansea frontman Fernando Llorente would be one of them.

A move for Llorente is another reason why Batshuayi’s future at the club looked so uncertain but Swansea are demanding up to £30m for the 32-year-old and the Blues will not pay that.

Llorente is understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League champions, but is unlikely to force a transfer from the Liberty Stadium.

Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois told Standard Sport this week that Batshuayi is in the kind of form to challenge Morata for a place.

He said: “Obviously he knows that in pre-season he has been the first option. Alvaro is coming in now but he has to adapt to our system, so maybe Michy has a slight advantage.

“He has to do well, obviously. Michy is a good striker, so if he keeps scoring there’s no reason to change.”