Premier League to investigate 'tapping' claims

The FA Premier League are to launch a formal inquiry into claims that Chelsea made an illegal approach for Arsenal and England full-back Ashley Cole.

Reports have claimed that Cole met with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon and manager Jose Mourinho at a London hotel to discuss a potential move.

Chelsea have not confirmed or denied the story and league officials are now to carry out a thorough investigation, having received “further information” from the News of the World concerning the allegations.

Now Arsenal have told the Premier League that they want to get to the bottom of the claims, fearing their wealthy London rivals have "tapped up" one of their most prized assets.

A statement released to the Press Association today read: “The board of the FA Premier League convened today and have decided to launch a formal inquiry into allegations that Chelsea FC may have acted in a way so as to breach Premier League rule K3 regarding approaches to players already contracted to another club.

“The board is finally able to establish a clear position from Arsenal FC and are grateful for chairman Peter Hill-Wood’s confirmation that his club want the Premier League to investigate the matter and that they will co-operate fully with any inquiry.”