Wenger plans post-inquiry talks with Cole
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hopes contract talks with Ashley Cole will start in earnest as soon as the Premier League ‘tapping-up’ inquiry is completed tomorrow.
Chelsea and Cole were charged by the league over an alleged meeting in a west London hotel at which chief executive Peter Kenyon, manager Jose Mourinho, agent Pini Zahavi, Cole and his advisor Jonathan Barnett were all present.
The Premiership champions could be docked points if found guilty although it is more likely they will be hit with a severe financial penalty.
The meeting, it is alleged, was a clear breach of Premiership rules which govern contact with a player who is contracted to another club.
However, Arsenal are almost certain to put pressure on the Premier League for a harsh punishment if the illegal approach charge is proven.
But whatever the outcome, Arsenal are ready to resume talks with Cole over a new contract as soon as the hearing is finished, even though it has emerged that Barnett allegedly demanded £750,000 (€1.1m) from Arsenal as part of the deal to hand the England star a new contract at Highbury.
