‘Bargain buy’, ‘No brainer’ – Newcastle fans react to reports forward signing all but done
By Harry Sykes
Newcastle United are set to make Chelsea ace Christian Atsu their first summer signing – and fans of the north-east club have given the thumbs-up to the deal.
The Sun claim the north-east giants have informed the new Premier League champions during talks they are willing to take up their £6.2million option to buy the wide man on a permanent deal.
It is said that Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has been impressed enough by Atsu during his season-long loan to snap him up as his first buy of the summer.
Newcastle fans on social media are mostly enthused by the prospect of the 25-year-old playing for the club in the Premier League next season.
Atsu has shown glimpses of his potential in the Championship without being a central figure for the team, although there is a feeling among the faithful that he could be even more effective in the top flight.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
The 53-times Ghana international scored five goals and provided three assists in his 32 Championship appearances for Newcastle this season.
But only 15 of those appearances have come as a starter, with his league game time amounting to just 1,567 minutes.
Atsu has one year remaining on his contract at Chelsea but it appears he will leave the club without ever making a first-team appearance for them.
The speed machine has spent the last four seasons out on loan after joining the Premier League giants in the summer of 2013.
In other Newcastle United transfer news, the club have hijacked Everton’s move for a coveted 23-year-old, with a £75,000-a-week contract to be offered.
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