Benitez hints at move for Chelsea attacker

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has spoken positively when asked about Christian Atsu which has prompted speculation that he could be set to join the club permanently from Chelsea.

“We know that he’s a good player. We have to decide. I’m really pleased with him. We have to see where we are in terms of the squad and all these things” said Benitez.

The Ghana international has scored four goals and recorded three assists this season, which has included two strikes from his past two appearances.

After arriving from Porto to Stamford Bridge in 2013 for £3.5 million, Atsu failed to break into the Chelsea first team and it is hard to see him forming part of the club’s future plans under Antonio Conte.

It is likely that the Blues will allow him to leave for the right price. A deal is very much on the cards here and Newcastle have a good chance of securing the player on a permanent basis.