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The French champions' team issued an ultimatum to the London club, to present a good enough offer to buy Michael Essien by Sunday, or he will remain in France.
As known, Chelsea has long been trying to acquire the young Lyon midfielder, but the French team has so far rejected all offers received from Chelsea.
Recently, the situation at Lyon has become somewhat complicated, as Essien himself, displeased with the club's decisions, refused to play for Lyon, citing his fear of getting injured and thus jeopardizing his move to the London team.
About the player's refusal to play for fear of injury, player agent Fabien Piveteau also spoke: "Michael is not playing because he is afraid of getting injured. This may be his chance in life and he does not want to miss it."
Nevertheless, despite everything, on Saturday, Lyon management informed Chelsea representatives that they have exactly a day to submit a fair offer for Essien, or the player may be sold to another club, even one offering less money.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas had met with Chelsea's representative Peter Kenyon, claiming that both teams were nearing a common agreement, but not yet sufficiently close to finalize the deal.
"I should meet with Abramovich in the next few hours," said Aulas. "I spent half a day negotiating with Chelsea representatives. In the end, I gave them an ultimatum to decide on Essien by Sunday. If they do not submit a good enough offer, Michael will continue to stay in our team or move to another club."
