The Ghanaian will link up with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho at
Santiago Bernabeu after being made surplus to requirements under
Roberto Di Matteo. Essien's arrival in Madrid will facilitate Lassana
Diarra's proposed move to Anzhi Makhachkhala before the Russian
transfer deadline passes on Thursday. The 29-year-old made only 14
appearances for the European champions last term after recovering from
a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in January, consequently losing
his first-team place to John Obi
Mikel and Raul Meireles under Andre Villas-Boas and later Di Matteo.
Congregation Mr essien