Top clubs chase Atsu

Graphic Sports Football Jul - 16 - 2014 , 09:26

Black Stars midfielder, Christian Atsu has become the target of some European clubs, following his impressive showing at the just ended World Cup in Brazil.

The youngster was dazzling at the wings with his deftness which has attracted clubs like Scottish sides Celtic and Rangers, English Premiership side, West Ham United, and Espanyol of Spain, including Vitesse Arnhem who loaned him from Chelsea.

From various reports, it is clear that the race for Atsu will become intense in the coming week, with Parkhead boss, Ronny Delia, confirming that the Scottish champions are in the market for a wide man.

But Celtic, who were linked with Atsu before he quit Porto for Stamford Bridge in a £5million deal last summer, believe that the prospects of playing in the the Champions League would hold sway in their search for the player who started in all the Black Stars games at the 2014 World Cup.

Atsu enjoyed a successful loan spell in Holland, scoring five goals in 28 appearances but has ruled out a return to the Erevidisie this time round.

Despite starting all three of Ghana’s World Cup matches in Group G, against USA, Germany and Portugal, the 24-year-old may not feature in the plans of Chelsea manager, José Mourinho, leading to another loan move for the player.

While there is a reported interest from West Ham, which could see him gain valuable Premier League experience, there are now further reports from Spain that La Liga side Espanyol, have also set their sights on making a formal loan approach. Elsewhere, there are also suggestions that Aston Villa and SV Hamburg are also keeping tabs on his situation.

Atsu is expected to be given a chance to shine at Chelsea during pre-season, before any decision is made, but this isn’t the first time Espanyol have sought to secure the services of the player. Last summer, they hoped to secure him on loan, but the move didn’t go through and in the end he went to Vitesse.