Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is willing to work with Ashley Cole again if no agreement can be made over a transfer to Chelsea, with the defender making himself available for the Premiership opener on Saturday.

The 25-year-old England left-back has been linked with a move to the Premiership champions but the two clubs have yet to agree a deal, meaning Cole could feature against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "If he doesn't go, of course he is a great player. He has permission to go somewhere if he wants to do it, but if there is not an opportunity for him and the club, he will stay at the club (Arsenal)."