Lyon confirm Essien deal

Lyon have confirmed a deal has been struck with Chelsea over Michael Essien.

The Premiership champions have been pursuing the powerful African for the majority of the summer, but Lyon were adamant they would not lower their demand for upwards of ‚é¼35 million. 

The deal appeared to flounder earlier in the month, but the lines of communication were reopened recently and it emerged over the weekend that Chelsea had tabled a bid which met with approval from Lyon.

Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas revealed earlier on Monday that the midfielder was set to move on this week and the French club have now confirmed a ‚é¼38 million deal has been struck.

Chelsea have yet to make an official announcement, but Essien is expected to sign a five-year deal provided he passes a medical.

The medical had been scheduled for Tuesday, but is now expected to take place later in the week, possibly after Essien plays for his country on Wednesday, as there has been a delay in Lyon sending the required paperwork to conclude the transfer. 

Essien's displays for Lyon in the UEFA Champions League caught the eye of a clutch of clubs, and he has a huge reputation, but he will have to make an immediate impact if he is to force his way past Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele, Joe Cole and Tiago in the central midfield pecking order.