In demand Lyon midfielder Michael Essien admits he is hopeful of securing a move to Chelsea, despite interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
The Ghanian international has emerged as one of Europe's hottest properties after a season at Stade Gerland in which he was named French Players' Player of the Year.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to bring in a midfielder over the summer, and Essien has now revealed he is hopeful an agreement can be reached with the Premiership champions after they made contact with his agent.
Lyon have always remained steadfast in their intention to retain Essien's services, although this admission from the 22-year-old leaves his future in French football in some doubt.
The impressive midfielder conceded that some of Europe's top clubs were vying for his signature, and insisted that Chelsea are in pole position as he enthused about the qualities of the Stamford Bridge outfit.
"My agent must meet the president of Lyon in the next few days then I will go back to Chelsea and speak to them and hopefully an agreement can be found," Essien told the Daily Star.
"Chelsea is my best contact and I know they are interested in signing me.
"That is great joy for me because they are one of the greatest clubs in Europe and I have always dreamed of playing in England.
:dielaugh:
"My agent told me that Chelsea's directors were trying to meet people from Lyon but for the moment there has been no date or time set.
"My agent told me he has had several conversations with Chelsea and they are prepared to offer me a five-year deal.
"It is true that Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester United have been asking about me. It will be difficult to move to Madrid because they already have their quota of non-European players.
"If Chelsea want me they really have to do everything in their power to make an agreement with Lyon."
The Ghanian international has emerged as one of Europe's hottest properties after a season at Stade Gerland in which he was named French Players' Player of the Year.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to bring in a midfielder over the summer, and Essien has now revealed he is hopeful an agreement can be reached with the Premiership champions after they made contact with his agent.
Lyon have always remained steadfast in their intention to retain Essien's services, although this admission from the 22-year-old leaves his future in French football in some doubt.
The impressive midfielder conceded that some of Europe's top clubs were vying for his signature, and insisted that Chelsea are in pole position as he enthused about the qualities of the Stamford Bridge outfit.
"My agent must meet the president of Lyon in the next few days then I will go back to Chelsea and speak to them and hopefully an agreement can be found," Essien told the Daily Star.
"Chelsea is my best contact and I know they are interested in signing me.
"That is great joy for me because they are one of the greatest clubs in Europe and I have always dreamed of playing in England.
:dielaugh:
"My agent told me that Chelsea's directors were trying to meet people from Lyon but for the moment there has been no date or time set.
"My agent told me he has had several conversations with Chelsea and they are prepared to offer me a five-year deal.
"It is true that Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester United have been asking about me. It will be difficult to move to Madrid because they already have their quota of non-European players.
"If Chelsea want me they really have to do everything in their power to make an agreement with Lyon."
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