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Spurs’ Transfer Rumors: Michy Batshuayi Set to Remain with Olympique Marseille

By Alexander Balano

Jul 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino talks with his team during training in advance of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino talks with his team during training in advance of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here is the latest edition of Spurs’ Transfer Rumors to help jump-start your day.

Two transfer rumors see two targets no longer become options for Spurs. And here’s why, first of all Michy Batshuayi is going to remain with Olympique Marseille. Yup, he’s signing a contract extension. Although sometimes that doesn’t necessarily mean the player will remain with the club to see out his new deal.

And finally, Axel Witsel to Tottenham won’t happen not because he’s not a good fit for the club. But rather, it’s how much Zenit might want in return. It would be too much money for a player who would be coming into a very crowded central midfield when you assume that everyone is fully healthy on Spurs’ squad.

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If Spurs were still interested in adding another Belgian to their growing group, they’re about to miss out. According to the Mirror Michy Batshuayi is set to sign a new five-year deal to remain with Olympique Marseille.

This isn’t surprising news to be honest because the Belgian striker wanted to continue playing for the Ligue 1 club and not be distracted with transfer rumors. It would affect his current form and from the statistics, the 22-year-old has a point.

In all competitions, the Belgian striker has made 26 appearances, scored 14 goals and has 5 assists. In league play, those numbers would be 19 appearances, 11 goals and 5 assists. So as you can see, Michy Batshuayi is getting consistent playing time ahead of Euro 2016, which is key for him and Belgium of course.

At the same time, while Batshuayi should be a starter on a majority of teams that are interested in him, it’s not guaranteed. He may or may have not started over Harry Kane for Tottenham. Also, changing clubs mid-season and learning a whole new system without the benefit of a pre-season, not to mention immense pressure from his large transfer fee, would perhaps ruin him for a bit until he settles in.

And besides, Marseille’s manager Míchel (José Miguel González Martín del Campo) wasn’t interested in selling the striker. Look at his quote:

“You want to kill me!? I don’t think about Michy leaving,” Míchel said. “If we’re going to sign anyone it’ll be an addition, not a replacement.”

That, and summer would be a better time to sell — as it always is. More clubs who are desperate will be lining up with bids. Which equals a higher value to place on Michy Batshuayi, especially if he adds more to his total appearances, goals and assists in all competitions at the end of the season.

Chelsea, AC Milan and Spurs are all currently interested in the Belgian midfielder (again, another Belgian player) and want to bring him to their respective clubs.

To start off with, Axel Witsel is apparently keen on playing in the Champions League next season (not surprising) which actually should help Tottenham now when players put European football at the top of their list. That, and having compatriots on the squad helps as well.

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It helped convince Toby Alderweireld to join Tottenham than return to Southampton or Atlético Madrid. But assuming that Witsel doesn’t weigh his decision mostly on playing in Europe and he strictly sticks to how each club is doing now and next season.

Guess what? Tottenham have the advantage once again.

Chelsea while they’re slowly on the upswing since Guus Hiddink took over, they still remain in 14th place for now but have dug themselves too big of a hole to climb out of in half-of-a-season. The Blues would have to go on a perfect run to climb into the top ten. And then, do even more work to fight for a top four finish.

The same can be said about AC Milan who are in sixth place in Serie A but only eight points from league leaders and rivals, Inter Milan. But then again, it’s been quite a while since AC Milan were a powerhouse club to be feared. It’ll take a while to return to those days, but again, like Chelsea they’ll get there. Slowly but surely.

Which brings us back to Spurs and the transfer fee.

The 26-year-old central midfielder would cost close to £30 million if we assume that Zenit wants to get nearly all of that money back. Since, that’s how much was spent to sign the Belgian international from Benfica back in 2012. Also with Chelsea trying to negotiate a £23 million deal which never went through this past summer. It could be looked at, as not enough. Or, Zenit weren’t ready to part with the midfielder just yet.

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If the defending Russian Premier League champions are contemplating a winter transfer sale now involving Axel Witsel and Spurs are interested. How much will be spent on a central midfielder who while talented, Belgian and has experience, what becomes of Mousa Dembele, Tom Carroll, Ryan Mason and Harry Winks?

It’d be great to have another experienced player playing centrally next to Eric Dier, but Spurs could do well by saving 20-plus million pounds. It could be used elsewhere whether that’s a smarter and cheaper purchase or put it into current players on the squad and increase their wages.