Ghana midfielder Michael Essien will arrive in Athens on Monday to conclude talks over a two-year move to Panathinaikos, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

The 32-year-old was thought to be on his way to the MLS following the expiration of his one and a half year contract at AC Milan at the end of the Serie-A season this weekend.

But Essien has been convinced by his agent Fabian Piveteau to consider a tabled two-year offer from Panathinaikos.

The former Chelsea star will now be arriving in Athens on Monday to finalize talks, undergo medicals and sign a contract before heading off for his summer holidays.

Panathinaikos want to bolster their squad with the signing of the experienced Ghanaian ahead of their campaign in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The Greens are reportedly willing to pay Essien over EUR2m per season in the two-year offer.

Invitations have been sent to several media houses to cover Essien’s arrival in Athens on Monday.

Greek journalist Vasilis Tempelis describes the great excitement which had greeted the news of Essien’s imminent arrival.

“A lot of people especially fans of Panathinaikos are excited by this news,” Tempelis who writes for Sport24.gr told GHANAsoccernet.com.

“Everyone is preparing to go meet him at the airport and definitely I will also be there to cover the event.

“Essien is a big star and will affect ticket sales for Panathinaokos. Sales of his jerseys will also go up which means more revenue will come to the club especially during these difficult times for Greek clubs.

“He would probably be the next big star in Greece after Rivaldo and I think it will be good for the league.”

Essien will be joining Panathinaikos once talks prove successful as a free agent with AC Milan refusing to extend his expiring contract at the San Siro.