Everton have secured the season-long loan signing of Chelsea attacker Christian Atsu, and this is not the first time both clubs are dealing with each other in this summer transfer window, bringing their ‘special’ relationship into question, according to the Daily Star.

This supposed tie between both clubs began last year when Everton signed Romelu Lukaku on loan from Chelsea. The Belgian had a successful season under his belt, and returned to Chelsea motivated to win a place in the first team. However, the Blues had different plans, as they signed both Diego Costa and Didier Drogba to add fuel to their attack. Lukaku had no plans to settle for a spot on the bench, and the youngster asked for a transfer. Everton came back for Lukaku, and the Merseyside club sealed a £28 million deal with Chelsea for a permanent deal.

Roberto Martinez is undoubtedly one of the most promising young managers in the Barclays Premier League, and Everton has been a safe haven for managers with a long term ambition. Martinez’s spell in the Premier League began with Wigan Athletic, and he was quickly known for producing teams with a fighting spirit and quality football.

Martinez has termed this relationship as purely ‘professional’ and one that ends after a deal. However, this could lead to players like Ross Barkley to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the future.