As expected, the player will move to Stamford Bridge this week for an estimated £22m.
However, Chelsea have taken the unusual step of releasing a statement to say that AC Milan striker Andrei Shevchenko is NOT moving to London and joining the champions.
They said: "It is club policy not to comment on speculation linking Chelsea to players.
"However there are continuing, and totally incorrect, reports regarding Andrei Shevchenko that only serve to unnecessarily destabilise those players already at Chelsea.
"The club has made it quite clear that we are seeking to bring in one more player, and we have also made it clear that this will be a midfield player, if it happens.
"We are not seeking to sign a forward and we have total confidence in those we have."
Seems Crespo and Drogba have been bending the ear of Jose demanding to know what's happening, and if their positions are under threat.
Jose has said that there is only one new spot available in the squad and that is in midfield.
So Essien it is. He might have been second choice behind Gerrard, but, by all accounts, he will be an impressive signing.
Roll on August 7.