The Mirror and The Daily Mail exclusively reported that the in-form England midfielder is set to join the Gooners after the World Cup. Contract talks have stalled in recent weeks between Chelsea and the skilled midfielder. Joe Cole wanted 130kp/week to be at par with Chelsea’s 2nd highest earning stars like Michael Ballack, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba. However, the Blues management was not keen on the amount as they are set to introduce a strict wage cap as the days of overzealous spending are over. With the new UEFA financial fair play rules set to kick in by the 2011/2012 season, the club wants to start cutting their coat according to their cloth.
It is understood that J.Cole is keen to stay in London as his Wife has a new kid and isn’t disposed to a move up north (Manchester) and sees Arsenal as a good choice. Joe Cole’s agent and Arsenal officials are believed to have met and agreed a deal in principle to join the club after the World Cup. He is reportedly set to earn about 90-100kp/week as there would not be a transfer fee for him. It is believed that Arsene is willing to pay that much as Joe Cole will be a bargain signing and would not stunt the developments of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere who are seen as the long term replacements of Cesc Fabregas.
The Daily Star had previously reported that a deal had been agreed. The media then blew the story out of the waters as they see Peter Hill-Wood’s close ties to The Daily Star as lending credence to the story. Would Joe Cole fit-in at Arsenal? That is a question for another day.
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