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The club president Jean Michel Aulas announced that London will have to pay 45 million euros to acquire midfielder Michael Essien. Earlier, the president stated that they were not selling the Ghanaian midfielder at all. Meanwhile, there were reports in the press that Chelsea was willing to pay about 20 million euros in compensation to the French.
"Chelsea has agreed to pay the requested 45 million euros for Steven Gerrard," said J.M.Aulas. "I told them that Michael is for sale at the same price. For now, Chelsea has refused to pay."
"I also told him (Peter Kenyon, Chelsea's Chief Executive Officer) that when I return to France on July 21 or 25, I will not discuss this matter."
Meanwhile, Essien himself has stated multiple times that he would like to wear Chelsea's shirt next season. However, his contract with Lyon runs until 2008.
Currently, Lyon is in South Korea participating in the "Peace Cup" tournament. The French champions will return from there at the latest on Monday.
