Lyon let Essien join Chelsea

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas tonight admitted Michael Essien will join Chelsea.

The deal is not yet complete, and it remains unclear whether a compromise has been reached on the fee, but Lyon have conceded defeat in their efforts to keep the 22-year-old Ghanaian midfielder at the club.

“I’ve done all I can to keep Michael in the squad, without being able to persuade him. It’s difficult for the squad,” Aulas told his club’s TV station.

“I’ve done a lot of work on this project, I’ve spoken with other directors, the staff and everyone’s been pushing me to make this decision, to let him leave.

“I hope he does well, but not too well, because in my view the club he’ll be playing for will have a good chance to win the Champions League.”