Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

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Cole left out

18 Aug 2006 - 16:28:28

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Unsettled defender Ashley Cole has been left out of the squad for Arsenal's opening Premiership match against Aston Villa.

The England left-back is desperate to leave the Gunners, but talks about a potential move to Chelsea have reached an impasse after the two clubs failed to agree a fee.

The 25-year-old released a statement on Friday saying he was willing to continue playing for Arsenal while his future is sorted out, but manager Arsene Wenger has other ideas.

"He has permission to leave if he can agree with any other club. At the moment that's not done so he is available for us," Wenger told Sky Sports News.

"That situation has to be stopped very soon, it's not good for him and we don't know if we can rely on him or not.

"I didn't include him in tomorrow's game because I feel he could be transferred tomorrow and then I would have to put him out again.

"One way or the other it needs to be resolved very quickly."