Wright spent the 2005-06 winter playing Sri Lankan domestic cricket

The 22-year-old fast-medium bowler was given permission to talk to other counties in July as his contract expires at the end of this campaign.

Wright said: "The main thing to strike me about Essex is their attitude. I'm excited to be involved with them.

"Hopefully we can achieve silverware but my first job is to force my way into the team on a regular basis."

Wright has played 18 first-class matches for Middlesex since his debut in 2004, taking 23 wickets and scoring 444 runs. He has also played 23 one-day games.

"Chris is a young bowler who has impressed me when I've seen him play," Essex coach Paul Grayson said.

"He swings the ball out at medium-lively pace and we think we can help him progress his career here. As he also bats a bit down the order we think he will be a good addition to the squad."