Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood said he hopes defender Ashley Cole stays dedicated to the Gunners in case his potential move to Premiership champions Chelsea collapses. "He is a very good player and if he is going to stay I hope his attitude is right," Hill-Wood was quoted as saying by British media. Cole has been the summer transfer season's longest running drama, with neither London side people able to find a compromise. The 25-year-old midfielder has made it clear he wants a move away from the Emirates Stadium, but there are few chances of a deal being struck before Thursday's transfer deadline. Hill-Wood has expressed his confusion at the stall in the deal, and was unable to offer any reason for the transfer not to have fallen through. "I don't know is the answer," he said. "It's rather ridiculous really. I have no idea." So far Cole has not been used Arsenal, however, on Monday boss Arsene Wenger played Cole in the reserves match against Charlton.
This may signal an end to the negotiations between Chelsea and Arsenal, who have reportedly asked 30 million pounds for Cole. If Cole stays with Arsenal, Hill-Wood has stressed his need to keep a positive attitude. "If he is going to be miserable and sour there is no point. Hopefully he will get his head right." The rumors over his transfer started in June 2005 when the player was fined for meeting with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho without Arsenal's approval. Despite signing an improved one-year contract with Arsenal last July, Cole has continued to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. But unless Chelsea counter offer closer to Arsenal's asking price or the Gunners suddenly change their mind, the deal looks off. Even without first team action, Cole is expected to start for England in their Euro 2008 qualifier at Old Trafford against Andorra on Saturday.
