Chelsea not giving up on Essien

By European Football
August 8 2005

Roman Abramovich will fly out to meet with Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas, tomorrow, to see if the two of them can finally come to terms over the sale of Michael Essien.

Lyon are demanding 31 million pounds for the player, and were happy to even reject that, in the hope of hanging on to him, but now it looks like there could be light at the end of the tunnel with a statement on Lyon’s website stating:

"It's been a difficult week," said Aulas

"This evening, Michael is still a Lyon player.

"Chelsea seem to be forcing the issue but they are not doing what they need to.

"Ten minutes ago I would have told you that the deal was blocked and that Peter Kenyon should return to London. Then the phone rang just now to suggest I meet Roman Abramovich on Tuesday.

"I am in two minds.

"If I get a fax during the night with the price I have asked for exactly to the nearest centime then we will have a meeting."