Rumour: Arsenal and Dortmund to battle it out for Belgian striker

Michy Batshuayi

Belgian striker, Michy Batshuayi is on the radar of Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund after he said that he does not think he will be playing in Belgium next year.

The Standard Liege striker has been targeted by Dortmund after it was confirmed that star striker Robert Lewandowski will move to Bayern Munich on a free transfer at the end of the season. The 21 year old is also being monitored by Arsenal after he said that he would like to play for Arsene Wenger’s side because they “give chances to young and gifted players.”

Borussia Dortmund although have refused to give out the names of their targets, but reportedly Batshuayi is high on their list. The Brussels-born striker, has netter 14 goals in 21 games for the Juliper League leaders Liege.

“I am ready for the next big step, and I don’t think I’ll be playing in Belgium next season,” he told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws last month.

“I’ve got two favourite clubs in Europe — Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund. Borussia have got the right mix of quality and team spirit, and Arsenal hand chances to young and gifted players.”

According to German broadsheet Sueddeutsche, Standard Leige owner Roland Duchatelet had confirmed that an 8 million euro offer has been tabled, which i said to be his release clause.

“There are Premier League clubs watching him closely, but that’s all,” Christophe Henrotay, Batshuayi’s agent said. “There are also serious possibilities in other major leagues.

“The situation is simple: if a club triggers his release clause, he can sit down and start negotiating with them.

“I’ve the mandate to negotiate a transfer. At this moment, no clubs have offered the full amount to trigger the clause. My player is still happy at Standard, but there’s a lot of interest in him.”