Cole back in training at Arsenal

Cole could well have played his last game for the Gunners

Ashley Cole returned to Arsenal on Monday for pre-season training, despite speculation over his future.

Cole, who has returned to the club later than the rest of the squad after his honeymoon, is thought to be on the verge of a £25m move to Chelsea.

And the 25-year-old would have trained without any of the first-team squad, who are on a tour of Austria.

Cole's future will be decided almost certainly before Thursday's Champions League registration deadline.

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has already confirmed that discussions have taken place with Chelsea.

He has stressed that Cole would remain an Arsenal player unless 'something changes' - but that change is now widely expected.

Cole's relationship with Arsenal has been strained following the 'tapping-up' affair with Chelsea last year.

And the relationship has been further damaged by Cole's claims that he will reveal why his relationship with Arsenal broke down in his forthcoming autobiography.

"I'll reveal the shattering truth about who fed me to the sharks. It changed my view forever on the club I regarded as family," said Cole.

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