Joe Cole in Arsenal: To be or Not to be?

There is a big question regarding Joe Cole’s future in club football. The Chelsea star has been a free agent and a number of clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are interested to acquire his service for the next season. However, it seems the midfielder has not decided on his future yet.

Joe Cole is now in South Africa with England squad to participate in the World Cup 2010. Making his way into the England first eleven would perhaps get priority in his mind at the moment, but he may also be a bit worried about his future too.

Chelsea did not show much interest to give the midfielder a new contract. So, he might need to look for a new club after the end of the World Cup. Reports available in the media suggest several options for Cole who joined Chelsea in 2003 from West Ham United.

Arsenal is one of the frontrunners in the race of signing him. Cole may consider a move to the North London club, thinking that he would not have to struggle for a place in the starting line up and worry about Champions League football. If Fabregas moves to Barcelona this Summer, Wenger may want him to play the creative role in the midfield.

Tottenham Hotspur is another club who has been tracking the player for some time. Cole could move to Spurs for two reasons. First of all, Tottenham Hotspur offers Champions League football.

Secondly, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp was the man who handed Cole his Premier League debut at West Ham when he was just 17-year-old. So, a reunion with his childhood mentor could be a factor that may influence his decision.

Manchester City is waiting with bucket loads of money to land Joe Cole at the Eastlands. A move to City may happen only if he considers it on financial ground. Money is not a big matter for City’s billionaire Arab owner. However, it is highly doubtful if he would like to join City as they do not offer Champions League football.

There are several reports claming many different things regarding Joe Cole and his future. Tottenham manager Redknapp recently revealed that Cole has already made up his mind to move to a particular club and even a secret deal has also been struck. Some also claim that Joe Cole has already decided to join Arsenal, while there are reports suggest City would go all the way to sign him and Cole could be lured by the City’s offers.

Given his from and age, Joe Cole is still a lucrative player to invest on and clubs are keen to capitalize on his ‘free agent’ status. It seems that rumors and speculations surrounding his future may not stop before the end of the World Cup.