Essien on Juventus radar

Juventus are weighing up an ambitious plan to pair Michael Essien and Alex Song in midfield next season.

The re-emerging Italian giants have £18million to spend and are hoping to prise away injury-prone Essien from Chelsea while persuading Song, 24, he can improve on his Arsenal career.

The two Premier League stars are high on a list of wanted men that was the result of a meeting between Juve president Andrea Agnelli, sporting director Beppe Marotta and coach Antonio Conte.

Ghana midfielder Essien, 29, could be available if Chelsea are as good as their word and effect a summer clearout.

Essien arrived at Stamford Bridge from Lyon for £24m in August 2005 but has been plagued by knee ligament injuries in recent seasons.

Song, meanwhile, might be tempted abroad given Arsenal's continued failure to win a trophy since 2005.

A Juve source said: "We need to back our plans for a strong European campaign by reinforcing the squad in some key positions — and Essien and Song are under review."