Lyon claim victory in Essien race

By European Football
June 6 2005

Lyon are claiming victory over the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, in the bid to tie up their star Michael Essien. Essien has been the speculation of a big money move for some months now, but Lyon always stressed their determination to hold on to their star.

Now they are saying that they expect him and another two stars Mahamadou Diarra and Juninho Pernambucano, to sign new contracts in the next week.

"The first good signing is keeping our best players," said Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas.

"With Djila, Michael and Juni, we have being trying to settle their cases for some weeks.

"I don't think Juninho wants to leave. I have good reasons to think we will find an agreement with us when he comes back from his holidays.

"About Diarra - the talks are harsh, especially as an Italian club is doing its best. But we are very close to a two-year extension.

"About Essien, we have found an agreement with his agent. We just have to find an agreement with Michael."