Chelsea 'could close double deal' with Espanyol to loan Christian Atsu and Papy Djilobodji within hours

Espanyol could close a deal with Chelsea for the loan arrivals of Christian Atsu and Papy Djilobodji in the coming hours, according to Sport. The Spanish publication suggests the La Liga side already have an agreement for the former Bournemouth winger, one which they are trying to turn into a double capture alongside the out of favour centre-back.

Atsu, 24, has failed to make the impact expected at Stamford Bridge since his move from FC Porto in September 2013, spending loan spells at Vitesse Arnhem, Everton and Bournemouth. The Blues recalled the Ghana international from the Cherries earlier this month after he made just two appearances – in the Capital One Cup – in the opening part of the season. The Blues are believed willing to let him leave once again.

Reports from Spain last week claimed that Levante and Bundesliga side Hamburg were interested in securing his services. Sport, however, claim the winger's most likely destination is Espanyol.

The Spanish publication claim the Catalan club had almost everything confirmed last week to secure the services of the winger on loan, but the negotiations were delayed after the possibility to include also Djilobodji in a double deal emerged.

The agreement over Atsu looks almost done – both with the player and Chelsea – but the centre-back is complicating the deal as he is reportedly considering an offer from Werder Bremen.

One way or another it looks certain that the Chelsea duo will leave West London before the end of the transfer window.

Djilobodji has just played one single minute for Chelsea since his £3m ($4.3m) unexpected arrival from Nantes on deadline day last summer, with former manager Jose Mourinho later suggesting it was not his choice as he was keen on Everton's John Stones instead.