Arsenal confirm Chelsea talks over Ashley Cole

LONDON, July 28 (Reuters) Arsenal said today they had held informal talks with fellow Premier League side Chelsea over the possible transfer of England left back Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein told the club's Web site: ''There have been certain discussions going on but there is not much more I can say at this stage.

''As we speak he is our player and unless something changes he will remain our player.'' Cole has been linked with a move across London ever since he was involved in the infamous ''tapping-up'' affair in January 2005 for which he and Chelsea were heavily fined by the Premier League.

Despite that, he signed a one-year extension to his Arsenal contract last July that tied him to the club until 2008 and has continued to be one of Arsenal and England's most reliable performers.

Chelsea are in the market for a left back after selling Spaniard Asier del Horno to Valencia.

REUTERS DH PM1943