Chelsea Could Rival Arsenal & West Ham For Appiah

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has hinted at the possible signing of a free agent to cover for the loss of midfielder Michael Essien, who is out for six months with a serious knee injury.

The Ghana star has ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament to add to the Blues’ injury list and with the 25-year-old, who can also play in defence, set to be out for most part of the season, Scolari is keen to bring in an instant reinforcement without waiting for the winter transfer window.

“I have some idea about how to fill Michael's position and I told Peter Kenyon (chief executive) about them. He will try to do something today, tomorrow or next week,” Scolari is quoted as saying in Mail Online.

Essien’s national team-mate and the Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah could be a readymade replacement.

The 27-year-old former Juventus player is a free agent after having left Turkish club Fenerbahce. He is linked with Chelsea’s fellow Londoners Arsenal and West Ham.

The Gunners have since ruled out being on the trail of Appiah, with manager Arsene Wenger saying yesterday: “No, we are not on the case.”

Portsmouth were also linked with Appiah, who however has shown an inclination to move to a London club.

"Yes, I'm moving to London, I have two offers from Arsenal and West Ham and I will choose the better offer," the former Udinese and Parma man had said on Wednesday.