Real land Essien

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has joined Spanish champions Real Madrid on a season-long loan deal.

Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho, the man who brought him to Stamford Bridge from Lyon for £24million seven years ago, has now re-signed him for the Spanish champions. The Ghana international was thought to be in talks with Arsenal earlier in the day over a proposed loan move to the Emirates Stadium, but for one reason or another a deal failed to happen. Fenerbahce had also been linked with an £8million swoop for the midfielder but as soon as Real declared their interest, the 29-year-old had his heart set on a move to the Bernabeu.