Arsenal set to land Joe Cole
Arsenal look set to land Joe Cole after reports suggest the former Chelsea player will sign a contract when he returns from the World Cup.
The England winger was released by Chelsea yesterday, and the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool are interested in signing the player.
However, it is understood that a deal in principle has been agreed between the player and Arsenal, and Cole will sign a four-year contract with a weekly salary of £115,000, although some sources claim it will be a three-year deal at £90,000 a week.
The 28-year-old is currently on England duty at the World Cup, and is set to feature in their opening game against the USA on Saturday evening.
Cole fell out of favour with Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, and since suffering a long lay-off from injury in 2009 was unable to get into the starting eleven.
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger spoke about Cole during the season, saying:
“Joe Cole is an interesting target, but do I have enough players in those positions? We shall see.”
Wenger recently commented about Cole again, hinting he wanted to have him at the Emirates.
“I like him as a player, because when he played against us he always did a lot of damage. He can create impact through his creative play. He can dribble, he can pass, he can score goals.”
If Cole does make the switch to the Emirates, he is the kind of player that would fit into Arsenal’s attacking style of play. He can play off the strikers and across the whole of midfield.
His trickery and skills will help Arsenal’s short passing game, and he has the ability to unlock any defence.
Meanwhile, Wenger has reiterated his desire to keep hold of captain Cesc Fàbregas. The Spaniard is wanted by Barcelona who had a bid of £29 million turned down last week. Even though Fàbregas told Wenger he wants to leave, the Frenchman wants to keep hold of his best players, and his star man.
“What is important is that Cesc has a great World Cup and what is also important is that he comes back to Arsenal and has a great desire to do well for the club.
"We want to keep our best players, that is my huge determination. I have built this team for years, from 16-17 years of age with most of the players, and we want to continue to work with them because we feel they are very close and the team has many strengths in many ways,” Wenger said.
Wenger’s search for a goalkeeper continues, and this time it is Fulham shot-stopper Mark Schwarzer who is attracting interest. The club have confirmed they have made an approach for the 37-year-old Australian.
“We have made an enquiry for him and they are not prepared to sell him so we have gone away. We can only hope they will change their minds, but at the moment it doesn't look like it,” said Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood.
Hill-Wood has also commented on the future of William Gallas, saying the club will not meet the demands of the 32-year-old Frenchman. Gallas is demanding a two-year contract and a pay-rise, but Arsenal are only offering a one-year deal. Juventus are the latest team in the hunt to sign Gallas.
“He is asking for too much for too long. Players are going to have to learn some time that money doesn't grow on trees,” said Hill-Wood.
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