Lyon boss ups Essien stakes

Last updated : 01 August 2005 By Paul Lagan
By claiming that Arsenal and Manchester United are also interested in Michael Essien, Jean-Michel Aulas, president of Lyon is entering the endgame in talks with Chelsea.

His desperate attempt to hoodwink Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich into a anxious £32m deal is destined to fail.

Say what you like about Kenyon or Abramovich, they will not sucumb to this tawdry and basically idiotic tactic.

So what if United or Arsenal are interested, they simply won't pay as much as Chelsea are willing to.

All should be resolved this week. My opinion, "walk away Roman, and see how much Arsenal or United are willing to pay."
My guess - nothing.