Lyon have turned down a bid from Chelsea for 22-year-old midfielder Michael Essien.

Club President Jean-Michel Aulou insisted Sidney Govou will be the only club to leave the club this summer despite Chelsea’s interest in Essien.

“Only one player will go, I repeat it. Chelsea came up with an offer (for Essien) and left with nothing”, Aulou told French newspaper L’Equipe.

“I am ready to renegotiate existing contracts but nothing else.”

Ghanaian midfielder Essien had been linked with numerous clubs throughout the season, including Arsenal and Manchester United as well as Chelsea.

Essien’s agent, Fabien Piveteau, claimed several top European clubs want to sign the midfielder.

“I know that Juventus are interested in Michael,” Piveteau said.

“I’ve not, however, had any direct contact with them yet, which is not the case with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal.”

Lyon clinched the French league title for the fourth successive season last weekend.

But the subsequent resignation of coach Paul Le Guen prompted speculation several major players would follow him.

But Aulou is adamant that the team will remain unaffected.

“Sidney Govou said he wanted to leave. After what he has done for the club, he has the right to go, but that will be all,” added Aulou.

“We have the best players in Europe in the midfield with Mahamadou Diarra, Michael Essien, Juninho.”