No Dzeko deal, Michy could stay ―Conte

Antonio Conte insisted that Michy Batshuayi remains in contention for Chelsea’s match against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Wednesday despite the possibility of a loan move to Borussia Dortmund, but confirmed that any move for Roma striker Edin Dzeko is off.

Batshuayi wants to leave Stamford Bridge on loan before Wednesday’s transfer deadline in search of more regular first-team opportunities, but Conte is still without first-choice striker Alvaro Morata as the Spain international continues his recovery from a back injury and Chelsea are yet to secure a replacement.

Out-of-favour Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has reportedly moved to the top of Chelsea’s wanted list while Tottenham frontman Fernando Llorente remains of interest, but Conte said Dzeko will not be moving to Stamford Bridge in this window.

“Yes, he’s in contention for tomorrow’s game,” Conte said of Batshuayi. “I don’t know [if he will leave] but now he’s a Chelsea player. For this reason he’s in contention, also because I have Morata injured and I don’t have other options, especially if Willian is also injured. Hazard can play No. 9, and then [I have to] find another No. 10.”

On the subject of Dzeko, he added: “He’s Roma’s player and I think that he will continue to be Roma’s player.”

Time is running out for Chelsea to secure the striker they require in order to sanction Batshuayi’s departure, and Conte reiterated that he is willing to stick with his current attacking options until the summer if needed.

“I can hope [for] everything, but the most important thing is the reality,” he added. “Now the reality is this, and I have to prepare the game in the right way with these players. I’m very happy to do this.

“I always say that I will be happy in both cases, if the club decides to add players, but otherwise I’m happy to continue to work with these players because they show me great behaviours, great commitment.”

One deal that Chelsea are close to concluding is the signing of Roma left-back Emerson Palmieri. The Brazilian reportedly left the Italian capital on Tuesday to travel to London to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms.