Borussia Dortmund's attempts to sign Michy Batshuayi on a permanent deal were blocked by Roman Abramovich, says Hans-Joachim Watzke.

The Dortmund CEO explained that his side had to settle for a loan move when the Chelsea owner set out his stance.

'We tried our best to get a permanent option for Michy Batshuayi,' said Watzke, as reported by Belgian football journalist Kristof Terreur.

Michy Batshuayi has impressed at Borussia Dortmund since joining the club on loan

The Belgian forward was blocked from joining Dortmund permanently by Roman Abramovich

'But it was a no go for Chelsea. When Roman Abramovich says no, it is a no.'

It's little wonder the German side sought a transfer for Batshuayi given his brilliant adaptation to life in the Bundesliga.

The 24-year-old has scored three goals and provided an assist in his first two games since leaving Stamford Bridge in January.

Chelsea meanwhile have struggled in recent weeks with Alvaro Morata out through injury.

Roman Abramovich (centre) remains fully involved with Chelsea's transfer business

Batshuayi could yet have a future at Chelsea despite struggling for game time at the Blues

The addition of former Arsenal frontman Olivier Giroud paved the way for Batshuayi to leave in pursuit of regular game time.

And it seems he has a powerful ally in Abramovich, suggesting there is still faith that the former Marseille man can make the grade in south west London.

Abramovich has dealt with player transfers over the head of managers before, with Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres both examples of the owner's intervention.

The Russian billionaire may believe a string of fine displays in Germany will ultimately boost a future fee for Batshuayi with Chelsea having shelled out £33million in 2016.

Whatever his motives, Watzke's revelation shows Abramovich remains fully involved in transfer dealings at Chelsea.