Ashley Cole - towards the end of a pantomime

If Ashley Cole completes his transfer to Stamford Bridge it will bring to a close one of the most public and hostile transfers in recent history. Cole was photographed with Peter Kenyon and Jose Mourinho in a London restaurant. The photographs were published in one of Britain's 'Red Top' gutter rags and, as a result, Cole and Chelsea were fined and warned about their future conduct by the FA. Chelsea distanced themselves from Cole with Cole agreeing a one year contract extension with The Gunners.

However, at the close of the season, with millions in hand Chelsea reignited their in interest in the England fullback. A move Cole appears eager to fulfill which is easily understood given the barbed comments in his recent book. What isn't clear is why he signed the contract extension in the first place. Was it because he was given promises by Arsenal Chief-Executive David Dein that if he signed the extension Arsenal would sell him should their asking price be met? For instance, by signing the extension Cole has ensured that his value didn't plummet, further enusring that he didn't leave in a cut price deal; think the opposite of Michael Owen to Real Madrid.

Such a decision by Cole would make it difficult for him to leave to most other clubs but, in this instance, the other club is Chelsea, la nouveau riche from South West London. A team that can afford to pay inflated prices for mediocre players let alone one that is considered by many to be the best attacking full back in World football. Arsenal would like William Gallas as part of any deal, something Chelsea are resistant to as they are loathe to strengthen a team they consider to be a rival.

My opinion is that Cole will move to Chelsea - I know, hardly a prophecy Nostradamus would be proud of - but Chelsea will want to complete the deal as close to the deadline as possible. If they are to give Arsenal £25 million for a player then it would make sense, from a Chelsea perspective, to wait as long as possible to complete the move, meaning Arsenal will have no time to spend the money to strengthen their side until January. By conducting their business in this manner, Chelsea get the player they want without immediately strenghtening a rival. By the time Arsenal get the chance to spend the cash in January Chelsea might already be out of sight of the North London outfit.