Chelsea transfer news: Christian Atsu joins Newcastle to become the Blues’ 38th player shipped out on loan

NEWCASTLE have signed Christian Atsu from Chelsea on a season-long loan, with an option to buy if they get promoted.

The winger, 24, came off the bench twice as Antonio Conte led the Blues in pre-season but did not do enough to impress.

Atsu – incredibly Chelsea’s 38th player out on loan – spent last season at La Liga side Malaga, scoring twice in 11 appearances.

He previously had spells away with Everton and Bournemouth.

Atsu said: “I’m very happy to be at Newcastle. It’s a very big club.

“They have good facilities and I think Newcastle have one of the best coaches in the world.

“St James’ Park is a fantastic stadium with 50,000 fans; the fans here really love football so much and I can’t wait to play at this stadium in front of the fans.”

Rafa Benitez has now made 15 signings for Toon’s promotion push while offloading several players for huge fees.

Moussa Sissoko’s expected last-minute switch to Tottenham is set to net Newcastle a whopping £30million.

And Benitez was pleased to complete his summer business.

He said: “I agreed with our fans that we needed to bring in another winger, so I am very happy to welcome Christian to the club.

“He has good ability and pace in the wide areas and also has good experience of English football.

“He has a different style of play to the other players we have at the moment and that will be important for the squad.”

A United statement added: “The 24-year-old arrives from Chelsea on loan until the end of the season, with an option for the Magpies to make the move permanent next summer.”