Juventus close in on Man Utd and Arsenal target

By European Football
March 29 2005

Juventus are preparing a move for Lyon midfielder Michael Essien, they hope by striking early they can see off competition from Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Arsenal. The 22-year-old Ghanaian is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after players in Europe.

One thing in the English clubs favour is Essien said recently that he would relish a move to the Premiership. Essien’s agent Fabien Piveteau stated:

"When Michael signed for Lyon we decided he would stay there for three seasons, so it is by no means certain that he will leave in the summer."

"However, I can confirm there has been interest from Bayern, as well as clubs in Italy, the Premier League and Spain."

Any club looking to sign Essien would have to find 15 to 20 million, which may just price him out of Manchester United and Arsenal reach, while Juventus cash rich from a recent windfall of sponsorship money, could afford to take it in their stride.

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