Bleacher Report reporter Dean Jones reports that Chelsea winger Christian Atsu is to undergo a medical at Newcastle United ahead of a move to the Championship club. Magpies boss Rafa Benitez says he is hoping to sign a winger following the injury to Rolando Aarons.
The 24-year-old Ghanian international has had several loan moves away from Stamford Bridge in recent years. Ever since signing for the London club in 2013 for £3.5million, he has had four temporary stints away. His most recent was in La Liga with Malaga last season.
Newcastle snapping up Atsu could possibly force through a deal to allow Moussa Sissoko depart St James’ Park, with Crystal Palace now the latest club to be linked with the French international attacking midfielder.
Atsu has struggled for regular football in recent years, despite his loan moves away. In his brief spell at AFC Bournemouth he only made two substitute appearances in the League Cup, whilst with Everton he played 12 times, eight of those off the bench. His time in Holland with Vitesse Arnheim, who Chelsea regular send youngsters on loan too, was perhaps his most productive as he played over 25 times, scoring five times.
Dropping into the second tier could give him a greater chance to play more football. Newcastle are short on wingers at this moment in time. Matt Ritchie joined from AFC Bournemouth but Andros Townsend left to join Crystal Palace. Vernon Anita has also played in this role, but he too has played at right back, proving he is more of a versatile type.
It is unlikely for the deal to go through in time before Newcastle face Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow evening.
