Joe cole In talks with Arsenal

Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole could be on his way to Arsenal after reports state that his representives met with the North London club on Tuesday while Cole was being named in Fabio Capello’s England squad for the World Cup.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at Chelsea so, with no offer from the Londoners currently on the table, he is available on a free transfer.

The transfer, with the exception of any complications, is expected to be completed before the start of the World Cup on June 11.

Rumours circulated on Tuesday after Harry Redknapp commented that he believed Cole had already agreed terms with another club.

Redknapp’s Tottenham Hotspur, along with Manchester United were also rumoured to interested in signing Cole, but the midfielder appears to have chosen the other side of North London as his new club.

"It looks to me that someone's going to make a great free transfer,” Redknapp told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I genuinely don't know who that is, but I don't think it's going to be Tottenham.

"I've got a feeling - and I may be wrong - that he's already agreed a deal with someone.

"I'm a big fan of Joe's, and I would be interested if he didn't stay at Chelsea, but the feedback we've had is that he might well have already done something."

The free transfer of Cole would suit Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger perfectly as the England international would represent a smart piece of business, and would thrill the Arsenal faithful who are resigned to losing captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona this summer.