Lyon midfielder Michael Essien is ready to dismiss interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid and sign for Chelsea.

The Ghanaian wants a "dream" move to the Barclays Premiership, with Stamford Bridge his preferred destination.

"My agent must meet the president of Lyon in the next few days then I will go back to Chelsea and speak to them and hopefully an agreement can be found," Essien told the Daily Star.

"Chelsea is my best contact and I know they are interested in signing me. That is great joy for me because they are one of the greatest clubs in Europe and I have always dreamed of playing in England.

"My agent told me that Chelsea's directors were trying to meet people from Lyon but for the moment there has been no date or time set.

"My agent told me he has had several conversations with Chelsea and they are prepared to offer me a five-year deal.

"It is true that Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester United have been asking about me. It will be difficult to move to Madrid because they already have their quota of non-European players.

"If Chelsea want me they really have to do everything in their power to make an agreement with Chelsea."