Arsenal boss
Arsene Wenger is chasing
West Ham United striker Carlton
Cole.
The Sunday Mirror says Cole is seen as the ideal man to
add strength and physical presence to a forward line that has been
left lightweight by the absence through injury of
Robin van Persie and Nicklas
Bendtner.
And while Danish international Bendtner will be back within
weeks, Van Persie will be lucky to play any part in Arsenal’s
season after a severe ankle injury he suffered while playing for
Holland against Italy in an international friendly.
Zola will not want to sell Cole but cash-strapped
West Ham will find an offer of
£15million difficult to resist.
The added attraction for Arsenal is that Cole will be available for the
Champions League – and his presence will allow Wenger to ensure
that Bendtner is not over-used in the taxing months to come.