Wenger demands Cole conclusion

Arsene Wenger has called for an immediate resolution to Ashley Cole's transfer saga.

Arsene Wenger has called for an immediate resolution to the transfer saga surrounding Ashley Cole.

The wantaway Arsenal left back is wanted by Chelsea and reports recently have suggested The Gunners have rejected a bid from their West London rivals.

But Wenger insists he is at a loss to explain why the transfer has been so long and drawn out.

The Frenchman is adamant Arsenal are not blocking Cole's proposed move to The Blues, with the manager claiming his club have paved the way for the England international's departure.

Cole was not part of The Gunners' squad for the opening day clash with Aston Villa, and Wenger is desperate for the player's future to be resolved - one way or another.

"We are ready. From our part there's no problem. Why don't you ask Chelsea what the problem is? I don't know," said Wenger.

"It is not true that we have turned any offer down.

"I am interested in football and for me Ashley Cole is a great football player who must play football at a top club.

"Of course it is business when you start to talk about transfers but what is more important is the interest of his career.

"Where does he play? What kind of football does he want to play?

"When you are a top-level player you need to focus on what's very important for you and that is to play football at your best.

"It's also difficult for us. We have a player and we cannot really count on him. Is he with us or not?

"We have to sort this situation out quite quickly. The numbers are not so important for Chelsea. They just bought a player.

"This situation is not a money situation. We have not turned down an offer. The problem is not between us and Chelsea."

"He has permission to leave if a club come in and makes the right offer.

"If that doesn't happen the consequence will be that he will stay.

"If nobody gives us the right offer what can you do?"

Despite Cole's omission against Villa, the Arsenal boss insists he will play Cole if he sees fit.

"I will play him next week if I judge him fit enough to play," added Wenger.

"Chelsea have had June, July, August. Everybody says Chelsea are interested in buying Ashley Cole but they have had three months now to buy him.

"He doesn't need to ask for a transfer because we gave him permission to leave when he extended his contract at the end of last season.

"Now we are at the beginning of a new season and if nothing happens I believe he will stay.

"It was down to some frustration at some stage but I don't think he is deeply unhappy to play the kind of football we play, or to play with his partners or under me."