Chelsea reach deadlock with Arsenal over Cole

LONDON, Aug 10 (Reuters) Chelsea said their attempts to sign Ashley Cole from Arsenal had reached deadlock with the clubs unable to agree a fee for the England left back.

Media reports say Arsenal value Cole at 25 million pounds (47.69 million dollars) but the English champions, who are reported to have offered 16.5 million, released a statement yesterday making it clear they would not raise their latest offer imminently.

''Chelsea has been in discussions with Arsenal for some time over the possible transfer of Ashley Cole,'' the statement read.

''Chelsea has made a very substantial offer for the player.

Although discussions have continued, Arsenal's valuation of the player does not match Chelsea's and therefore no agreement can be reached in the current circumstances.'' After yesterday's 1-1 friendly draw with Celtic, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said: ''Our offer is an excellent offer for an excellent player, but they (Arsenal) said no.

''We will look elsewhere, and have been looking elsewhere for some time. Cole is not the only left back in the world.

THE LIMIT ''We have not lost patience with Arsenal. Cole is an Arsenal player and they have the power to yes or no, and we have the power in our hands to say how far our offer goes. It has gone to the limit and we will not offer one more pound.'' However, when pressed on whether he thought Chelsea's offer would be accepted by the north London club Mourinho said: ''You have to ask Arsenal, but unless we sign another left back, there is a chance it will still happen.'' Mourinho said this week he would consider other options if agreement could not be reached for the Arsenal full back.

He wants Cole to replace Asier Del Horno at left back, with Wayne Bridge out of favour and William Gallas keen to move rather than play out of his natural central defensive position.

Gallas was missing from Wednesday's 1-1 friendly draw against Scottish champions Celtic at Stamford Bridge.

Gary Caldwell opened the scoring for the visitors after 10 minute before Shaun Wright-Phillips equalised on the stroke of halftime with his first goal for the club.

New signings Andriy Shevchenko, Michael Ballack, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel made their first home appearances for Chelsea who struggled to break down Gordon Strachan's side.

Reuters PM DB0911