The former Arsenal left-back could be a victim of Villas-Boas’ purge of the Mourinho era.
It is certain there will be a clear out at Stamford Bridge in the summer, and one big question is whether it includes manager Andre Villas-Boas or not.
If Villas-Boas is given a stay of execution and permitted to perform major surgery on his Chelsea squad this summer there will be a number of stars looking nervously over their shoulders.
Even a man who has long been considered untouchable in Chelsea’s left-back spot, Ashley Cole.
Cole put his foot in his mouth this weekend, choosing to praise Jose Mourinho on the eve of Chelsea’s FA Cup clash with Birmingham City.
“He always got the best out of his players.” Cole told Sky Sports.
Villas-Boas has admitted losing the support of certain players in his squad, and we believe Cole is one of them.
Players have been ‘texting’ former boss Mourinho, and few players put their trust in him like Cole did.
He infamously met up with the current Madrid boss while an Arsenal player, and was convinced to switch clubs to Chelsea.
Since then he has been the model of consistency, and has been a regular pick for the club and for England, despite his off-field personal dramas.
But the Chelsea squad is heading for a big change in personnel this summer, with Drogba, Malouda, and Mikel all names who are likely to be shown the door.
Nobody is irreplaceable, and if Villas-Boas wants Cole out, he will demand he is sold.
Chelsea could fetch £20 million for him, and spend that on a left-back fully committed to the manager, while Ryan Bertrand remains a talented prospect.
Jose Mourinho may even attempt to bring Cole to Real Madrid, if he remains at the Bernabeu. It would be a good move for Cole, who has spoken previously of a desire to play abroad, and escape the goldfish bowl that his life in England has become.
He certainly wouldn’t be welcome back at Arsenal.
So Roman Abramovich has decisions to make, if he backs his manager it will mean losing stars like Cole, but it can also be a fresh start, and a good opportunity to get a big price for him before he enters the final stages of his career.
Whichever he chooses, and this week’s game against Napoli may have some impact on this, it is unlikely both Cole and Villas-Boas will be at the club next season.
How would Chelsea fans feel if Cole was sold?
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