Christian Atsu under the microscope; Possible Newcastle move for the Ghanaian

Newcastle United are on close to the signing of Christian Atsu on loan from Chelsea - with many supporters excited to see what the Ghanaian can bring to the club.

But, how much do you know about Atsu?

We've brought you the low-down on the 24-year-old old right here - with everything you need to know about the possible Magpies signing.

Newcastle United are on close to the signing of Christian Atsu on loan from Chelsea - with many supporters excited to see what the Ghanaian can bring to the club.

But, how much do you know about Atsu?

We've brought you the low-down on the 24-year-old old right here - with everything you need to know about the possible Magpies signing.

Background

After that, the Ghanaian signed for Chelsea in a deal worth £3.5million, but was immediately sent out on loan again - this time to Vitesse Arnhem.

Again Atsu impressed during his time away from his permanent club, making 30 appearances for the Dutch side and scoring five goals.

Time in the Premier League

This time Everton were the side that came calling, with Roberto Martinez eager to add an exciting wide-player to add to the Toffees squad for their Europa League campaign.

However, this time the loan move didn't work out for Atsu.

He made 13 appearances for Everton, but the majority were from the bench - scoring no goals in his time at Goodison Park.

Last season saw two different loan spells for Atsu - one with Bournemouth, where he was not involved in any league matchday squads for the Cherries, and one with La Liga side Malaga, where he enjoyed a more successful spell.

So, what does he add to Newcastle?

The Ghanaian winger has bags of it, and he's not afraid to take on an opponent either.

Barring his time with Premier League clubs, he's also proven himself to have a decent eye for goal over his career.

If you watched the 2015 African Cup of Nations, you might know what we mean.

Atsu was in fine form during that tournament despite not enjoying the best of spells with Everton at the time - summed up by his goal-of-the-tournament strike against Guinea.

If Rafa Benitez can bring out the best in the 24-year-old, then he could be the key to even more attacking threat up front for the Magpies.

And, what better manager to bring the true quality of a player to the surface than the Spaniard?

https://youtu.be/MWyBeGPOqvQ

In fact, Atsu was named the player of the competition that year as Ghana lost in the final to Ivory Coast.

Capable of playing on both wings, but prefers playing on the right so that he can cut in on his favoured left foot.

The 24-year-old also possesses a multitude of skill and a keen eye for a pass, meaning that his link-up play in the final third can be brilliant at times.

One weakness though is Atsu's defensive contribution - don't expect him to be tracking back down the line all too often, but that might be something Rafa Benitez will want to address as a matter of urgency.

Would he be good business?

In short, yes.

Atsu could represent a shrewd bit of business for Newcastle - with a player that has gone a little bit under the radar for most of this transfer window.

Granted, the winger's time in England might not have shown it off all too often, but he obviously possesses bags of quality.

If Rafa Benitez can bring out the best in the 24-year-old, then he could be the key to even more attacking threat up front for the Magpies.

And, what better manager to bring the true quality of a player to the surface than the Spaniard?

source: chronicle live