Wenger: I’d sign Cole if I needed him

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ruled out re-signing Ashley Cole – but would consider it if he needed a left-back.

There has been speculation about the future of Cole, who made an acrimonious departure from the north London club to join Chelsea in 2006.

Out of the Blues side and with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, the England international has been tipped to leave Stamford Bridge.

And, asked if he would be tempted to sign Cole, Wenger said: “Honestly, if I needed a left-back then yes. But I have left-backs and he [Cole] cannot play in another position.

“Despite everything, yes. What happened was a difference in negotiation. Apart from that, I don’t wonder whether I would sign him or not, because I have a left-back.”

Wenger was speaking after his side drew 0-0 with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, where the hosts felt they should have had a first-half penalty after Theo Walcott went down under a challenge from Willian.

Arsenal fans were also angry after John Obi Mikel was given the benefit of the doubt by referee Mike Dean following a tackle on Mikel Areta.

Wenger said he did not have a clear view of that incident, but inevitably disagreed with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho’s claim that Dean “had a great game.”

“Not a great game at all,” said the Frenchman.

He added: “It’s Christmas, so let everybody have their own opinion and I’ll have mine. I think it was a penalty. If I’m wrong then I’ll apologise.

“We dropped two points tonight. Chelsea defended well and were well organised.”

Mourinho hit back at Arsenal’s complaints about Dean’s decisions by saying “they like to cry”.

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