Turkish professional football club Galatasaray had joined Premier League side Fulham and Saudi Arabian club in the race to sign the 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder.
The move was announced following a meeting of Premier League club officials and is not believed to have been agreed unanimously. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger gave his backing to the decision before it was announced.
Marie-Claire Rupio, Atsu's widow read an emotional tribute to her late husband. 'In life I love you darling, in death I'll do the same,' she said tearfully, the BBC reported.
Marcia Aoki's InstagramNot to be confused with Instagram shoe lover Marcia Aoki, the Japanese-Brazilian's namesake, Pele's widow is not on social media as she prefers her privacy.