Arsenal try to loan Chelsea midfielder

Arsenal have made an attempt to loan Michael Essien from Chelsea for the 2012-13 season, The Daily Mail claim.

The Gunners have parted with Alex Song this summer, who joined Barcelona, and Arsene Wenger is thought to be in the market for a central midfield battler.

With moves for Lucas Biglia and Yann M’Vila running aground, the north London side have looked closer to home for an alternative.

Essien has had injury concerns recently and has not played a lot of football under Roberto Di Matteo, who has the likes of Jon Obi Mikel, Raul Meireles and Frank Lampard to call upon in the centre of the pitch.

Roberto Di Matteo will weigh up Arsenal’s offer on Friday, and it is believed that the Italian coach is considering letting Essien move to the Emirates Stadium in a bid to secure regular first-team football.

Arsenal loan Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea on deadline day last year.

By Gareth McKnight