7- Michael Essien (22, Lyon, £24.4 million)
Essien joined Chelsea after the clubs first Premier League victory in 2005 and instantly made himself at home in the clubs midfield. He worked well alongside players like Frank Lampard, his physicality meaning the Englishman had time to pick pass in central midfield. He contributed hugely to Chelsea’s second title win in 2006 and was regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League. He continued to impress for Chelsea for several most seasons but recently he has suffered several knee injuries meaning his appearances for Chelsea have become few and far between. He was loaned out to Real Madrid last summer and it is unknown whether he will remain at Stamford Bridge this summer or be sold. The decline in Essien has been sad as at his best he was one of the best central midfielders in the world.