Atsu nears Chelsea move; Galatasaray challenge Arsenal for Di Maria

Atsu nears Chelsea move

Sky Sports has learned that Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Ghanaian forward Christian Atsu from Porto.

A number of Premier League sides have shown interest in the 21-year-old, who looks set to leave the Dragons after refusing a new contract offer.

However, Sky Sports understands that Chelsea have moved to the pole position, as the Blues are reportedly in advanced talks with the player’s current employers.

With Atsu’s deal at Estadio do Dragao due to expire at the end of the season, the Premier League side believe an offer in the region of £3 million will be enough to lure the winger to Stamford Bridge.

Christian Atsu arrived at Porto in 2007, but it was the loan spell at Rio Ave during the 2011/2012 season that helped him make a name for himself.

He has since made 17 league appearances for the Dragons, scoring one goal in the process, but was recently relegated to the reserves after refusing to extend his contract at the club.

Galatasaray challenge Arsenal for Di Maria

Galatasaray have launched an assault on Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria, according to Argentine newspaper Ole.

The 25-year-old continues to be linked with a summer exit as Gareth Bale is expected to complete his switch to Santiago Bernabeu, with Arsenal reportedly leading the chase.

However, Argentine daily Ole has revealed that Galatasaray have also opened talks with Real Madrid with a view to luring Di Maria to Turk Telekom Arena.

According to the same source, los Blancos are prepared to accept an offer from Turkey, but persuading the player to move to Istanbul could prove to be a difficult task.

Di Maria has already rejected a contract worth €3 million per campaign, and chances are he would prefer a move to English Premier League.

Galatasaray chairman Unal Aysal is, nonetheless, hoping the Turkish giants have what it takes to win the race for the highly rated midfielder.

Rennes keen on M’Bengue

Rennes are considering a move on Toulouse defender Cheikh M’Bengue, French newspaper L’Equipe has suggested.

Les Bretons are on the lookout for a left-sided defender and they believe the Senegalese would be a great addition to the squad at Stade de la Route de Lorient.

According to L’Equipe, Rennes are expected to make an official offer for the 25-year-old in the coming days.

M’Bengue is looking for a new challenge after spending last 17 years at the club, and it is for that reason that he has refused to sign a new deal with le Tefece.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign, Toulouse chiefs are aware they need to sell him by the end of the summer transfer window if they are to make some kind of profit.

M’Bengue, who played for France Under-21 side before switching allegiance to Senegal, has amassed 140 Ligue 1 appearances and scored 2 goals.

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