Arsenal get real in Cole talks

ARSENAL defender Ashley Cole is ready to start talks on a new contract despite reported interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Cole has more than two years left on his existing deal but Arsenal have already confirmed their wish to offer him a pay rise to make sure he stays at Highbury.

The 24-year-old England full-back’s emergence into a defender of international quality has seen his potential value soar, with some observers rating him ahead of Brazilian Roberto Carlos as the world’s best left-back.