Chelsea set for first summer signing as Michy Batshuayi confirms move

Chelsea are on the verge of making their first major signing under new manager Antonio Conte, with Michy Batshuayi confirming that he will leave Olympique Marseille this week for a move to a Premier League club. The Blues will be joined by new manager Antonio Conte imminently after his Italian side crashed out of the European Championships in France on penalties to Germany in the quarter-finals.

The forward is said to have agreed a £33m ($44m) deal with Chelsea for the move, as reported by the Daily Mail and will be the first of numerous additions to Conte's side at Stamford Bridge for the summer. He scored 26 goals in all competitions last season with 17 coming in the league but failed to lead his side to a top-half finish, with Marseille finishing 13th in the league, only nine points clear of the relegation zone.

The Blues have already announced the departure of Alexandre Pato and Radamel Falcao from their ranks this summer and need replenishment up front if they have to get back into the top four following a horrendous 2015/16 season, which saw Jose Mourinho sacked midway through the season. Batshuayi's arrival will alleviate the pressure from Diego Costa, who has also struggled to replicate his form from their title winning campaign in 2014/15.

"'It will be made official tomorrow [Sunday], I will be leaving Olympique Marseille this summer. Above all, I particularly want to thank all the supporters of OM: during my two years with the club I have loved since I was young, you have shown me your affection and support," Batshuayi said.

"It's a big honour for me to have worn this jersey at the Velodrome, a stadium which you have made magnificent with an atmosphere which is unique in France. I thank the directors of Olympique de Marseille for having confidence in me and the coaching staff who have helped me progress.

"Having developed for a season under coach (Marcelo) Bielsa was a privilege and I would love to achieve what he has wished for me in the remainder of my career. Thanks also to coach Franck Passi for having supported and advised me since my arrival at Marseille, and my team-mates for these two seasons. I hope I can keep making you proud with my new club, and will continue to follow closely the results of OM. I hope the club can recover the results they deserve."