Arsenal: Arsenal may sign Essien!

Arsenal may be forced to splash out 16million on Ghanaian Lyon star Mickael Essien to bolster their midfield ranks and ensure they are not beaten in the race for his signature. Highbury manager Arsene Wenger is waiting for developments on the futures of Brazilian duo Edu and Gilberto. Gilberto has a back injury which has already kept him out since late September and could finish the rest of his season, while Edu is refusing to sign a new contract.

Sources close to the club believe both outcomes will be negative.

And if neither situation improves soon, Wenger will almost certainly try to sign Essien, a 22-year-old Ghanaian midfielder, who has been attracting interest from across Europe with his impressive form for French League leaders Lyon.

Sportinglife

16mil.... Where are the Gooners gonna find that sort of money?

I would like to see it but i dont think they will get him.

The agent of Lyon midfielder Michael Essien believes his client will be priced out of a January transfer as Arsenal continue to monitor his progress. Essien has excelled this season for the French champions and has reportedly caught the attention of several of Europe's finest.

Skysports

i aint heard of the player lol.

though they have a good repuation for having good midfielders, dhrahsoo who ended up at juventus. and junhino perembacou they have is a amazing player.

its a expensive deal to happen though, not sure they can afford it unless they are certain edu is going

it looks like a deal wont be on the cards

Arsene Wenger insists he is not interested in bringing Lyon midfielder Michael Essien to Arsenal.

The Ghana international claimed last week that Wenger wanted to lure him to Highbury as a replacement for Edu, who is expected to leave the club.

Essien's agent then revealed the 22-year-old's purported price tag of �17 million was proving a deterrent to Wenger.

link

well. lyon are saying there hasnt been any bids, wonder if it will change now that edu is set to leave

Lyon have stressed that they have received no official bids for star midfielder Michael Essien.

The 22-year-old has attracted interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid but will not be moving in January.

Arsene Wenger, despite denying any intention of bringing Essien to Highbury, is rumoured to be keen to land the African ace this month.

sky sports

well.... it supposed to be chelsea leading the chase for him

[qoute]Chelsea are at the head of the queue to sign Lyon's powerful midfielder Michael Essien, according to the player's agent.

Lyon's Ghanaian star was recently crowned as the Players' Player of the Year in France after his dominant displays for the French champions.

Essien has also performed well in the UEFA Champions League for Lyon and he has attracted a number of admirers from across Europe.

skysports.planetfootball.com...

this guy sounds quality,

he won a big award in france and there is loads of good players over there, like players with loads of potiental.

chelsea, as with any good player are going to look at him and if they like the looks of him, go for him.

arsenal, edu is going but gilberto is back and i wonder, with him returning has that ended there intrest in this player?

possibly, our problem is not in midfield, its defensively and in goal

i think in defense, it showed against man utd that there is an improvement.

As Senderos is looking good, though, i think only 3 good centre backs aint enough and most likely, som1 else is needed.

Lehmann was good too but is that him going to be more consistent now?

and the price for this guy, its alot and i dunno. Are arsenal prepared to pay such a big sum, that would be wengers 2nd biggest since Reyes

Originally posted by dilly
possibly, our problem is not in midfield, its defensively and in goal

I agree, the midfield is strong, it's at the back where the problems are. Ronaldo destroyed Lauren in the cup final.

i think in fairness, Ronaldo playing on a good day is going to destroy most defenders. I think the best way to stop that from happening is by attacking them even more

French champions Lyon have again rejected Chelsea's attempts to sign Ghana midfielder Michael Essien.

Lyon say the 22-year-old Essien has agreed an extension to his contract to 2009, although the player has yet to confirm the new deal.

"We want to keep Essien and he'll stay here unless we received a stupendous bid," said new coach Gerard Houllier.

source

I don't think anyone will sign him, the only ones who could come in with a stupid bid would be Chelsea, i think thats what the club wants, as much money for him as possible. It all depends on how high Chelsea want to go...

yip, but then. its only natural that they want to hold out for as much as they can get.

maybe chelsea are just testing the waters

It looks like Arsenal might miss out as Chelsea start to get more serious..

well i wonder.. i wonder this, i wonder if pires will get offered in exchange if his contract saga goes on and on

The club want money and Drogba so nothing is really happening at the moment.

As for Lauren/Ronaldo I agree in part but against someone with pace and ball control you don't let them have that much space behind you to run into.