Antonio Conte happy for Michy Batshuayi to stay at Chelsea as Edin Dzeko's move from Roma breaks down

Antonio Conte has revealed he sees no reason why Michy Batshuayi would want to leave Chelsea, with the move for Roma striker Edin Dzeko on the verge of collapsing after talks proved unsuccessful.

The Belgian scored twice during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Newcastle United to send the Blues into the FA Cup fifth round.

He was initially thought to be leaving the club on loan this month as Chelsea looked to bring in an alternative back-up to Alvaro Morata but, after The Independent learned the move for Roma’s Dzeko has broken down, Conte is now open to keeping him – although admitted it would be Batshuayi’s decision.

“Loan? I don’t know what happens,” Conte said. “But when you play Premier League, Champions League and then FA Cup, if we have three strikers it is the minimum. We have to see what happens in the market. It doesn’t mean Michy has to go on loan. We have a lot of competitions. Three strikers is the minimum.

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“I know there is a World Cup and every player wants to play to push the coach of their national team. But this is another situation. In this case, if the club decides to add another player, I don’t know if Michy wants to stay or go on loan, it will be the player’s decision not my decision.

“I’m ready to continue to work with these players. I’m very happy. But I don’t know what happens with the transfer market.”

Batshuayi would not be drawn on a possible move away in January, insisting the situation is out of his hands but that he is working hard to impress at Stamford Bridge.

“When I have a chance I take the chance and I work every day to be here,” Batshuayi said. “It's not for me to decide, it's the boss... it's best that you ask Conte!”

On the win, he added: “It's very good for the team and for me and I'm very happy.”