Oui Essien, Non!

Last night, Jean-Michel Aulas stated, for the 74th time, that the Essien deal was off and he would be staying with Lyon. In the most boring and drawn out transfer saga of the season, this Garlic-Muncher has made himself look a bit more of a fool than usual.

Every day for the last 7 days, he has said "Today is zee final day. Zee deadline wheel be today at 5pm. Essien will stay or go today". And at 5.01pm he promptly phones some newspaper again and tells them that Roman has phoned him personally and begged to give him 7 yachts and 140 players in exchange for Essien, if only he will meet him tomorrow. Hmmmmm.

Firstly, we'll get him when we want him, but not for the stupid money they are asking. Secondly, we're developing a nice habit of leaving clubs stuck with players who have publically stated they no longer want to be there. Essien has gone one step further saying he will never play for Lyon again. With Ashley Cole, it is amazing how many Gooners can't see past the "Cole signs new contract" headline to notice that it is only a one year extension, just enough for him to be sold to someone else (not us) next Summer, instead of being able to walk off for free the year after. Reality Check.

Jean-Michel Aulas has taken his beret, string of onions, baguettes, garlic and snails and thrown them right out of his pram now. Thinking he was negotiator of the year, and failing miserably. So far, the only negotiations have gone on in his head.

Oh well, that's Lyon for us in the Champions League group stages this season then...