According to Italian press sources, Ashley Cole will arrive in Italy this morning to put the finishing touches to a contract with Roma.
While Ashley Cole’s agent claims that he is still talking to various clubs, the Italian press are convinced that the former Chelsea man has decided on Roma.
It was a tumultuous summer for Cole, who didn’t receive a new deal at Chelsea after his contract expired and wasn’t selected in England’s World Cup squad.
After a flurry of speculation about where the 33-year-old may end up playing next season, Roma have emerged as favourites to sign him, but Cole’s representative Jonathan Barnett has stressed that no deal is done yet and other teams are in the frame.
But the Italian press today are adamant that Cole is arriving at 10.30am on a flight to Rome and will give his consent to a move to the Serie A side.
The paper hints that the agent’s absence combined with his assertion that other clubs are interested could be a strategy to drive up Roma’s wage offer.
Cole could undergo his medical this afternoon and to intents and purposes be a Roma player by the end of the day, barring any unexpected stumbling blocks.
It remains to be seen whether Cole will be joined by a familiar face in the form of another free agent discarded by Chelsea, Samuel Eto’o.
The Cameroon international is said to have opened talks with Roma and could be headed for the Stadio Olimpico.
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