Chelsea have released the statement: "Chelsea FC has been in discussions with Arsenal Football Club for some time over the possible transfer of Ashley Cole.
"Chelsea has made a very substantial offer for the player. Although discussions have continued, Arsenal’s valuation of the player does not match Chelsea’s and therefore no agreement can be reached in the current circumstances."
Some papers think Arsenal have asked for £25m; others £30m; some say £20m. Chelsea are quoted at £16m or £17m, and less at £20m. So reading between the lines, a deal is still possible.
Whatever, the outcome will be that tapping up works, the fine is worth it, for both player and club; and if the player doesn't arrive, then a rival club has a disaffected player. The sooner UEFA look at the whole business, as outlined in their report earlier this year on the future of football, the better.
Unfortunately tapping up via selected media outlets, like AS. is beyond UEFA's remit. Jose Reyes, is continuing to hack off Arsenal fans. These new quotes have been attributed to him by AS:"I don't know if Arsene Wenger thought I was ready to play or not, but maybe he thought I was a little too distracted. I want things to be sorted out as soon as possible and I will have my mobile turned on all day today in case there are any important calls.
"Me and my family are a little tense at the moment and want to make sure things don't collapse, but I'm hopeful that things will work out in the end."
[Which other club has been subject to such destabilising tactics this summer?]
Wenger continues to back Reyes in public. Wenger added: "I have not made a bid for Ribery – I categorically deny that. Will I? Frankly, I do not know." A lot of press think he will.
A key factor is that Ribery will probably get on better with Henry than Reyes. He will be more of a goal threat, and has played with Abou Diaby and Gael Clichy in the French u-21 set up. However, Lyon bid around £14m for him yesterday.
Real's sporting director is reported to have had talks with David Dein yesterday over Reyes, and a fee of £16.5m is being bandied around.
If Reyes goes then his transfer can't be deemed to be successful. He has underperformed. If Cole goes as well, then people will question whether Arsenal can hang on to their stars in their prime, when clubs with currently more resources come knocking.
Theo Walcott has been picked on Wednesday by Under-21 coach Peter Taylor for a European championship qualifier against Moldova at Ipswich next Tuesday.
McClaren, said: "I wanted Theo to have the chance to play some competitive Under-21s football."
"He is still very much in my plans. I see the Under-21s as a very important stepping stone to the senior team and I will keep a close eye on them this season."
Freddie Ljungberg has been appointed captain of Sweden in place of Aston Villa's Olof Mellberg, who has stepped aside. He's 29, and has been capped 56 times and has played in two World Cup campaigns.
Martin Laursen has his sights set on making his Premiership return for Aston Villa at Arsenal in 10 days' time.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said that the match against Argentina at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium would be delayed to September 3 rather than Sept. 2 as previously announced.