Chelsea Gets Three Players

By European Football
July 13 2005

Roman Abramovich appeared out of the ‘blue’. Mickäel Essien, Shaun Wright-Phillips and John Obi Mikel will shortly sign for Chelsea thanks to some quick negotiations and availability of money coming from Roman’s wallet. But Mourinho still wants a striker, and Shevchenko is his favorite.

Offers for Mickäel Essien have been arriving at Lyon since the transfer market opened again. Real Madrid, Juventus and many other important European teams wanted him, and of course Chelsea. Now, the player decided he does not want to stay in his team and wants a move to the Blues, as he stated:

“Only Chelsea is in my head.”

His manager, Gerard Houllier, tried to reply:

“It is not a matter of money, but of principles: we will not sell.”

But apparently, they will sell. Essien has been putting pressure in order to be released, and the 30 million euros offer will also make some minds change at Lyon.

Next, young winger Shaun Wright-Phillips would be following Essien’s arrival. Chelsea offered 25 million euros for the player, and thus it beats Arsenal’s offer of around 15 million euros. Arsene Wenger showed his anger:

“All the teams wait for Chelsea’s offer before selling their players.”

Last but not least, Nigerian U-20 star John Obi Mikel will also join the Blues. Manchester United was very close to signing him, as his team, Lyn from Norway, had signed an agreement with the Red Devils, but then decided to let Chelsea have him. The young promise preferred a move to the Blues, since they helped him and his family, and asked FIFA to let him go free from his almost certain move to Manchester.

Chelsea had already signed Asier del Horno for 12 million euros, now Roman did it again and secured the transfers of three more players. Yet, another striker must come, and maybe could be the great transfer everyone is waiting for; Shevchenko is the main favorite to be the one whose transfer will be a record.