Essien has joined AC Milan according to respected journo Gianluca Di Marzio.
Michael Essien has joined AC Milan from Chelsea, the Italian club have confirmed.
Read more Chelsea transfer news.
The midfielder, 31, will join the Rossoneri on a free transfer and sign an 18-month contract at the San Siro, according to the website of respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
Earlier today, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho confirmed Essien could leave Stamford Bridge if he wanted, after making just two league starts so far this season.
The Ghana international midfielder is desperate for more first team football ahead of next summer’s World Cup in Brazil and AC are in need of midfield reinforcements.
The struggling Serie A outfit are particularly keen for players who can feature in their Champions League campaign and Essien fits the bill because he was not registered in Chelsea’s squad for the competition and is therefore not cup-tied.
Essien’s move to Milan may increase speculation that Nigel De Jong could make a return to the Premier League this month. The Dutchman has been linked with Liverpool as a replacement for injured enforcer Lucas Leiva.
SEE ALSO: PES 2014 best players: the 20 highest ranked players on Pro Evolution Soccer 2014.