Everton confirm Atsu loan interest

Im a little bit surprised that the Christian Atsu deal isn't done yet -- we were all expecting it to happen some time ago -- but it does appear to be inching steadily closer to the inevitable conclusion. Barring something weird happening, the winger will be spending next season at Everton, and Roberto Martinez has confirmed that he's hoping the deal will be wrapped up this week:

We are hoping that the deal can be formalised and finalised by Thursday.

That would be a really good positive move to boost the squad. How ready he will be to have him in the team, it's too early to tell. But we want Christian to be part of the squad as soon as we can. We are really excited and are desperate to welcome him to Finch Farm to allow him to feel the Everton way quickly.

Source: EvertonFC.com.

I don't really know why this is taking so long, but in a perverse sort of way that could be a positive. That Everton and Martinez have been so dogged in chasing Atsu means they must really like him (for further evidence, see the rest of the manager's quotes in the interview linked above), and if Martinez is impressed with him that probably means significant playing time.

Atsu playing regularly for a team in contention for the European places helps out both his development and his value. No complaints from me!