Is Ashley Cole leaving Chelsea?

By Chris Linnell

Rumours circulating today suggest that Chelsea full-back, Ashley Cole, is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Cole, widely regarded as the best left-back in England (perhaps even the World) is now in the last year of his contract with the Blues, in January he will be free to talk to foreign clubs regarding a move away from London in the summer.

Roman Abramovich’s new hard-line approach to management at Chelsea is a leading contributor to Cole’s potential departure. His new policy of offering the club’s over-30’s one-year contract extensions has seen a number of big name players leave the club since the end of last season.

This approach could also see fellow veteran Frank Lampard leave at the end of the season as the club look to reduce the average age of their Champions League winning squad.

Both PSG and Real Madrid are said to be interested in Cole, whilst Lampard has been linked with a move to the US since the end of last season. His availability has also alerted Sir Alex Ferguson who would no doubt love to bring the defender to Old Trafford – whether Cole would make the switch to Manchester is another issue.

Both Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard have served Chelsea for a number of years, it would be a great shame to see them forced out of the club. Hopefully this news is nothing more than speculation. However, we have seen a similar situation occur previously, this wouldn’t be the first time Abramovich has brought an abrupt end to a player’s career at Stamford Bridge.

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