7/24/2005 3:38:00 PM
Lyon midfielder Michael Essien has pleaded with Roman Abramovich to get his wallet out and bring him to Chelsea.
The French champions are refusing to let the Ghanian international leave for less then their valuation, which according to the 22-year-old is now £35m.
Chelsea have previously had offers of around £18m rejected.
Essien told the News of the World: "I have the feeling Lyon will not sell for anything less than £35m.
"My last hope is Abramovich. It is he who has to make the decision. I hope he will meet their demands.
"I cannot see myself staying at Lyon - no way.
"I don’t even want to think about it. It is now in the hands of Abramovich."