Arsenal eye move for Cole after West Ham give Gunners first option

Carlton Cole could be set for a move across London this summer, after it was reported that Arsenal were given first option to buy the England international. West Ham's week went from bad to worse on Saturday as they were beaten 1-0 by Stoke in the Barclays Premier League, leaving them teetering on the brink of relegation. Demotion to the Championship would spark a mass exodus with £9million-rated Cole among the names set for an Upton Park exit. Hammer time: Carlton Cole looks destined to leave West Ham in the summer Arsenal were linked with a move for Cole in the January transferwindow and would almost certainly rekindle their interest at the end ofthe season, should the Hammers go down.   Arsene Wenger iskeen to boost his attacking options, with Bordeaux marksman MarouaneChamakh, who is out of contract at the end of the season, thought to bethe Frenchman's prime target. But according to the News of the World, doubts have emerged over the Moroccan's switch leaving Wenger forced to look at other options. Cole,26, signed a new five-year deal at Upton Park just 18 months ago butwould be sold at a reduced price, if the Hammers are relegated. TheWest Ham hitman has suffered another injury-hit season but has stillmanaged to score nine goals in 18 Premier League starts.  Stan Kroenke homes in on Arsenal: American entrepreneur needs 10 shares to make takeover bidWenger feels the pressure: Title race tension gets to Arsenal bossWest Ham 0 Stoke 1: Fuller strikes to put beleaguered Zola on the brinkWEST HAM UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail