Jon Brodkin
Friday September 1, 2006
The Guardian
Arsenal and Chelsea last night agreed a swap deal that would take Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge in exchange for William Gallas and about £5m. Both players agreed personal terms and passed medicals and papers were lodged with the Premier League as the transfer window shut, though neither club confirmed the deal at that point with a formal announcement.
A dramatic end seemed in sight, however, to a tortuous saga after both clubs compromised their negotiating positions during talks to push through a transfer.
Barring a late twist and with Premier League dispensation, the transfer will have gone through in the early hours of today, a relief to all parties. Jose Mourinho has been desperate to land Cole to strengthen the left of his defence.
BBC NEWS:
A joint statement from the clubs said: "Chelsea FC and Arsenal have agreed terms for the transfers of Ashley Cole and William Gallas.
"Chelsea will also pay Arsenal £5m. Both players have agreed personal terms and passed their respective medicals."
Although all the relevant paperwork had been lodged with the Premier League, neither club had made an announcement by the time the midnight deadline passed.
It was not until 0125 BST on Friday that the statement was finally issued.