Chelsea

Reports have claimed that the 29-year-old Cole held talks with Ancelotti last week about his desire to leave the club.

The England left-back is reportedly keen to escape the media spotlight for his actions both on and off the field and is tempted to reunite with Jose Mourinho, who signed him for Chelsea in 2006.

The Portuguese tactician, who led Inter Milan to Champions League glory earlier this year, has taken up the reins at the Bernabeu and is believed to want the former Arsenal star, who is widely regarded as the best left-back in the world.

However, Ancelotti insists that Cole is going nowhere and that no amount of money will tempt him to sell.

“Ashley Cole will not be sold at any price,” said the Chelsea boss.

“There is no price that we would sell him at. We believe he is the best left-back in the world and because of this he will stay at this club.

“Nothing has changed in our position. Everyone can forget about Ashley Cole leaving this club.”

The Italian tactician has also dismissed the possibility of a move for Real playmaker Kaka, after reports suggested Mourinho wanted to offload the former World Player of the Year to help fund his revolution in the Spanish capital.

Kaka made the move in a £68.5million deal last summer but failed to hit the heights in his first season in Madrid under Manuel Pellegrini.

Ancelotti was at the helm at AC Milan when Kaka joined the club in 2003 and enjoyed a good working relationship before they both sought pastures new last year.

However, the Blues boss has played down the possibility of reuniting with the attacking midfielder at Stamford Bridge.

“Kaka cannot come to Chelsea,” Ancelotti told Sky Italia.

“He was one player of mine and has done so much for Milan, but now he belongs to Real Madrid and he will decide about his future along with his current club.

“Certainly neither I nor Chelsea will do it (decide his future).”

Ancelotti led the Blues to the League and FA Cup double in his debut season with the club and they are 12/1 to repeat the feat in the Chelsea Specials market, while they are 6/1 to win the one trophy that has so far eluded them, the Champions League, behind Barcelona at 7/2 and Real at 4/1.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Arsenal

Premier League clubs must now name a squad of no more than 25 players for the Premier League season.  The deadline to hand in final squad lists is 1700 BST on September 1 (the same time the transfer window closes) and clubs can make changes during the January transfer window.

Eight of the 25 players must also be ‘home grown’, although the definition of home grown is fairly broad.  To qualify as home grown, players must have spent three years between the ages of 16-21 registered at a club in England and Wales.  This means Arsenal players such as Spanish captain Cesc Fabregas, Brazilian midfielder Denilson, Frenchman Gael Clichy, Danish international Nicklas Bendtner and Cameroonian midfielder Alex Song all qualify.

However, Wenger is still not happy with the limitations that have been put in place and fears the decision to restrict clubs to a squad of 25 is a mistake.

“I am not a big fan of it because it puts, first of all, many players without clubs,” explained the Arsenal boss.

“Secondly it puts the clubs in a weak position most of the time in the transfer market because when you already have 25 players and you buy another one, you know you have 26 and now have to get rid of one. So when you buy a player, you have to integrate into the transfer how much it will also cost to get rid of a player.

“This is a disastrous decision for football and for the players. I was quite amazed that the union [PFA] accepted that. For the clubs as well it is a very bad decision.”

Wenger has so far been fairly quiet in the transfer market, adding just Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh and French defender Laurent Koscielny, from Bordeaux and Lorient respectively, to his ranks so far.  The French tactician has revealed he is seeking at least one more defender before the new season gets underway.

Arsenal kick-off their Premier League campaign with a tricky trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on August 15 (Opening day fixtures – Game with most goals, Liverpool v Arsenal 8/1).

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.