Galatasaray target loan move for Chelsea winger
Turkish side Galatasaray are reportedly preparing a bid to take young Chelsea winger Christian Atsu on loan, according to the Turkish newspaper Fotomac.
Reports suggest that initial talks have taken place between the two clubs, and Fotomac states that Galatasaray are pushing for a €5 million buy-out clause in the deal.
The Ghanaian spent the first half of this season away from Chelsea, after joining newly-promoted Bournemouth on loan in the summer. However, Atsu returned to his parent club last week after failing to break into the first team. He made just two appearances in the Capital One Cup for Bournemouth this season.
Since joining Chelsea in 2013, Atsu is yet to make an appearance for the club, and has been shipped out on loan to two other clubs. He spent a year in Holland with Vitesse, where he played 28 times and scored five goals. Following his success there, he was picked up on loan by Everton in 2014 and made 13 appearances for the club, getting a few vital assists during his time with the Toffees.
The Ghanaian has played 42 times for his national team and has nine international goals to his name. He featured in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, guiding his team to the final before being awarded both the Player of the Tournament and Goal of the Tournament awards.
A loan move to Turkey would be beneficial to all the parties involved, with Atsu gaining vital first team experience, and Galatasaray signing a player that has the ability to push them towards the top of the table.
After winning the title last year, the club are currently in third place in the Turkish Super Lig, with 30 points from 17 games. Like Chelsea, they have made a disappointing start to the season and look to boost their squad before the league campaign resumes on January 17.