Chelsea don't fear probe into Cole 'tapping' claims: Kenyon

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon says he would have nothing to fear if Arsenal launched an investigation into allegations he had “tapped” Gunners defender Ashley Cole.

Kenyon and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho are reported to have met Cole and his agent Pini Zahavi secretly at a London hotel on Thursday with a view to luring the left-back to Stamford Bridge.

But, asked if he was worried about the consequences if the Gunners choose to take the matter further – as Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has suggested they will – Kenyon told Radio Four’s Today programme: “No, not at all.”

The former Manchester United chief executive would not be drawn into commenting directly on Chelsea’s interest or otherwise in Cole but indicated that his club would only recruit players by the rules.

He added: “There was supposed to be another secret meeting with another Premiership club about another Premiership player so it’s where do you stop with these things. But the rules of the game are quite clear so we’re just getting on with our business.”

However, Arsenal are already planning to question Cole, who has another two seasons to run on his Highbury contract.

Hill-Wood told The Sun: “The Premier League rules are very clear on this matter. If the club is presented with evidence that those rules have been contravened I am sure we will take the matter further.

“These are very serious allegations and we will be investigating the matter as quickly as possible. It has been reported in a very definite manner and that makes you think something untoward has gone on. We cannot let this pass.

“Ashley Cole is under contract to Arsenal for another two seasons and I am sure the club will be talking to him about these reports in an effort to get this matter resolved.

“We know this sort of thing does go on in football and it would not be the first time another club has tried to speak to one of our contracted players.”

The Premier League must wait for any official complaint from Arsenal before launching an investigation.

But Mourinho has scoffed at suggestions he had met Cole.

“I have a perfect and wonderful squad and I don’t need any more players this season. Next season I will need one or two.

“It is names after names with us, because it is Chelsea. Everybody wants to come and everybody wants to connect players with us. But I have no time to meet players. I am concentrating on my job with the club, and that is to get some silverware.”