Post by jenelle on Jul 12, 2006 11:21:33 GMT
ASHLEY COLE is set to drop his legal battle over his infamous "tapping up" scandal - to clear the way for a £16m move to Chelsea.
Mirror Sport can reveal that Chelsea are one of three clubs along with Real Madrid and Barcelona to have registered their interest in the Arsenal defender this summer.
And Cole, who weds pop star girlfriend Cheryl Tweedy on Saturday, is ready to abandon his battle to clear his name following the fine he received from the Premier League enquiry for his part in the Chelsea "tapping up" scandal 18 months ago.
That would ease Cole's potentially difficult passage from Arsenal to their bitter London rivals Chelsea, who are set to clear their decks after Spanish £8m flop Asier Del Horno was given permission to negotiate a transfer to Real Madrid.
Chelsea have ditched plans to sign Brazil veteran Roberto Carlos from Real Madrid while selling Del Horno for a cut-price £3m is another indication that they want Cole.
Cole has postponed a decision on his future until after his wedding but it is understood he is determined to leave Arsenal following his bust-up with vice-chairman David Dein during the "tapping-up" scandal. Cole cannot forgive.
It is Chelsea who are leading the three-way chase as they prepare to risk another flareup with Arsenal, despite last year's scandal.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is still convinced of Cole's ability and believes he also proved his fitness during the World Cup after an injury-ravaged season.
But Mourinho has been reluctant to re-ignite the row with Arsenal, although Mirror Sport understands that chief executive Peter Kenyon is pushing for a deal to sign Cole and is unconcerned about any more fall-out.
Kenyon has been trying to convince Mourinho and also owner Roman Abramovich that they should go for Cole who has a £16m buy-out clause written into his contract.
Mourinho is also set to ditch his wingers this season in favour of Didier Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko heading a diamond shaped midfield - so Cole would give them width on the left.
Cole signed a new £60,000-a-week contract extension last summer but his refusal to forgive Dein leaves his advisers believing there is no way back for him at his beloved Arsenal.
Mirror Sport can reveal that Chelsea are one of three clubs along with Real Madrid and Barcelona to have registered their interest in the Arsenal defender this summer.
And Cole, who weds pop star girlfriend Cheryl Tweedy on Saturday, is ready to abandon his battle to clear his name following the fine he received from the Premier League enquiry for his part in the Chelsea "tapping up" scandal 18 months ago.
That would ease Cole's potentially difficult passage from Arsenal to their bitter London rivals Chelsea, who are set to clear their decks after Spanish £8m flop Asier Del Horno was given permission to negotiate a transfer to Real Madrid.
Chelsea have ditched plans to sign Brazil veteran Roberto Carlos from Real Madrid while selling Del Horno for a cut-price £3m is another indication that they want Cole.
Cole has postponed a decision on his future until after his wedding but it is understood he is determined to leave Arsenal following his bust-up with vice-chairman David Dein during the "tapping-up" scandal. Cole cannot forgive.
It is Chelsea who are leading the three-way chase as they prepare to risk another flareup with Arsenal, despite last year's scandal.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is still convinced of Cole's ability and believes he also proved his fitness during the World Cup after an injury-ravaged season.
But Mourinho has been reluctant to re-ignite the row with Arsenal, although Mirror Sport understands that chief executive Peter Kenyon is pushing for a deal to sign Cole and is unconcerned about any more fall-out.
Kenyon has been trying to convince Mourinho and also owner Roman Abramovich that they should go for Cole who has a £16m buy-out clause written into his contract.
Mourinho is also set to ditch his wingers this season in favour of Didier Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko heading a diamond shaped midfield - so Cole would give them width on the left.
Cole signed a new £60,000-a-week contract extension last summer but his refusal to forgive Dein leaves his advisers believing there is no way back for him at his beloved Arsenal.