Arsenal ask for Michael Essien, Chelsea willing to listen to offers

Arsenal have reportedly made an enquiry to sign Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien on loan.

According to The Telegraph, Arsene Wenger would like to take the Ghanaian midfielder on a short-team deal as cover for the rest of the season.

Essien's first-team opportunities look limited at Stamford Bridge this season, with Frank Lampard, Ramires, Jon Obi Mikel and Raul Merieles all ahead of him in the Chelsea pecking order.

Arsenal fans are desperate to see Wenger bring in new recruits before the transfer window shuts, with a deal for Essien acting as cover in a depleted position after Alex Song's sale to Barcelona.

Chelsea are understood to be willing to listen to offers for Essien and Yossi Benayoun, a player who enjoyed a loan spell at the Emirates last season.