Mourinho wants answer to Essien saga

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho wants to resolve the Michael Essien transfer saga as soon as possible – regardless of whether the midfielder arrives at Stamford Bridge.

Essien, 22, has been linked with a move from French side Lyon to the Premiership champions but no deal has yet been agreed.

Mourinho, who already has a large squad at his disposal, believes it would not be a “drama” if he misses out on the Ghanaian.

“I hope we are sure about that soon – he comes or he doesn’t come,” said Mourinho. “He comes, great. If he doesn’t come it’s not a drama. But I need to know. One more option, a great option. But one more.”

Mourinho has signed Asier del Horno from Athletic Bilbao and Hernan Crespo is back at the club after a spell at AC Milan – but Essien would strengthen the midfield.

Fringe players Scott Parker has left for Newcastle and Alexei Smertin is at Charlton for a year.

“You look to our defensive line we didn’t lose one single player and we have in Del Horno a great solution,” he added on official website www.chelseafc.com

“Look to our attacking line and we lose Kezman but he didn’t play too much. Look to our (central) midfield and it’s the only area where Scott Parker went to Newcastle and Alexei Smertin went to Charlton, and we have just (Lassana) Diarra, a young boy.

“So it’s our only area where we didn’t strengthen the team. If we get a good player like Essien we can say every area improved. If we don’t we still have good options.”