Standard Liege striker Michy Batshuayi expects to leave the Stade Maurice Dufrasne at the end of the season.
Batshuayi, who joined Standard from FC Brussels in 2008, has started the 2013/14 campaign on scintillating form, having scored 12 goals in 18 Jupiler Pro League appearances.
As a result, the Belgium youth international, 20, is beginning to attract interest from a host of top European clubs, and rightfully so.
Batshuayi has now revealed he ‘dreams’ of a move to English Premier League leaders Arsenal or reigning UEFA Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund.
“I don’t think I think will be playing in Belgium next season. My parents, especially my dad, think I’m ready for the next step,” Batshuayi told Het Laatste Nieuws.
“This summer there was some interest, but I decided I didn’t want to leave Standard without leaving a trace – being champion or being top scorer.
“I’ve two dreams clubs in Europe – Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund. Borussia because of their mix between quality and spirit, Arsenal because they give opportunities to young and talented players.”
With regards to a potential transfer, one thing seems quite certain for Batshuayi, he will not leave Standard when the transfer window re-opens in January.
“Arsenal are not the only club interested, but Michy isn’t going anywhere next month,” said club president Roland Duchatelet.
Batshuayi will face an uphill battle to break into the Belgian national team ahead of next year’s World Cup in Brazil, with Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku ahead of him on the depth chart.
However, a good run of form could see the 20-year-old ace leapfrog Jelle Vossen as the third striker for the Red Devils.
Inter play down Lavezzi talk
Internazionale manager Walter Mazzarri has played down speculation linking the club with a January move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ezequiel Lavezzi, Sky Sports understands.
Lavezzi, 28, left Italy for Paris in the summer of 2012 after five productive years at Napoli, three of which came under Mazzarri.
The Argentina international, who has also been the subject of interest from AC Milan and Arsenal in recent times, has yet to produce his best in Ligue 1, with five goals and four assists to his name in 40 games over the past two seasons.
“He’s a great player and a great guy,” Mazzarri said of Lavezzi.
“He was sold to one of the most important clubs in Europe thanks to the three years of work.
“In terms of the market, let’s finish the next game first, then we will make our conclusions.
“We could also remain as we are for this year, but it depends on what the club calls for at the end of the year.
“You have to understand when Milito and Icardi return, they are the first two attackers. I’m not talking about the market anymore because there are three important games that will help me assess the squad.”
Mazzarri will lead Inter Milan against former club Napoli next Sunday.
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