Chelsea in advanced talks for Porto winger

Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign FC Porto winger Christian Atsu before the close of the transfer window, according to reports today.

Sky Sports News report that Jose Mourinho is keen on the 21-year-old, who is entering the final year of his contract, and he’ll be signed for around £3 million as Porto have so far failed in their attempts to extend Atsu’s contract.

The Ghanaian is described as quick, direct and skilful. He plays predominantly on the left-wing and has 16 international caps so far, scoring three goals. He rose to prominence during a loan spell at Rio Ave during the 2011-12 season in which he played 30 games, scored six goals and made four assists. Last season he scored one, completed four assists in 28 matches for Porto.

It’s a move that has surprised the Chelsea fans as we have an embarrassment of riches in the attacking midfield/wing positions already with Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Oscar, Kevin De Bruyne, Victor Moses, Andre Schurrle and Willian, who will have his work permit hearing today.

Moses is already expected to go out on loan to make room for the incoming Willian and I am expecting Atsu to go straight back out on loan as well so is probably considered as one for the future, but the lads currently in the first-team squad are still very young themselves and we’re not likely to be in need of any more wingers for the foreseeable future.

We’ll just have to wait and see what happens with this one if it’s finalised. Our priority for the moment is bringing in another forward and Samuel Eto’o seems the most likely as things stand since Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney is a no-go. There has been talk that a deal for Eto’o could be finalised within the next few days, and even speculation that it could be part of the deal that has seen Willian move to Stamford Bridge so perhaps we’ll hear more after the Brazilian’s work permit hearing.

Source: Sky Sports