Batshuayi won't accept another year on Chelsea's bench: 'No, no, no'

Another season on the outskirts of Chelsea's first team is not an option for Michy Batshuayi.

The Belgian scored the winner against West Brom that clinched a fifth Premier League title for the Blues, but it was the lone bright spot over a Premier League campaign in which he made just a single start.

When reporters, including the Guardian's Dominic Fifield, asked whether he would accept more substitution appearances, the 23-year-old said, "No, no, no. Everyone knows that I have to play more, that I have to score goals. There's a World Cup coming up next year. I want to be ready for the World Cup."

Chelsea spent £33.2 million to sign Batshuayi from Marseille last summer, making the 23-year-old the third-most expensive signing in club history. Although he has no desire to come off the bench, he said he won't demand a move from Chelsea.

"They are the boss, not me," Batshuayi added. "And afterwards I'll discuss it with my agent and the club. Amicably, as friends, of course.

"A loan? That's not up to me. That's up to them. They take the decisions, not me."

Reports from England pegged West Ham as a potential destination for Batshuayi, while alleged interest from Monaco and former outfit Marseille ratcheted up.

It's unclear whether Chelsea would allow the player to leave on a permanent transfer. The west London side reportedly turned down overtures ahead of the January transfer window, and could feel the need to keep Batshuayi as a long-term replacement for the dithering Diego Costa.

The potential arrival of Romelu Lukaku could also complicate matters.

Batshuayi collected just 236 minutes of Premier League experience in 2016-17.