Arsenal's Cole closer to Real Madrid, Barcelona escape

Arsenal fullback Ashley Cole has moved a step closer to a switch to Spain after yesterday's charges over the tapping up controversy with Chelsea.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will now never sign him for the Blues.

And the England left-back must also get to grips with the fact that embarrassment - coupled with a deteriorating relationship with his Arsenal paymasters - means he will now probably have to leave Highbury anyway.

Cole must now decide whether to bite the bullet, apologise to Arsenal and take their new £3m pay offer.

The only other option is to flee for Spain and switch to either Real Madrid and Barcelona, who would both like to secure his services.