The Fear Factor

It has been widely reported recently that William Gallas wants to quit Chelsea and would welcome a move to Arsenal, while Ashley Cole wants to quit Arsenal and would love to sign for Chelsea.

Arsenal, naturally, would prefer not to lose a player many good judges regard as the best left back in the world, but they are certainly not scared of selling the player to their principal rivals. Chelsea, on the other hand, expect Arsenal to allow Cole to move across London but give the impression of being adamant that Gallas will not be released.

In other words Chelsea, who have all the money, also have most of the fear.

And in view of the fact that they have publicly castigated Gallas for allegedly showing them scant respect, their eagerness to retain his services and to purchase a player who has shown marked disrespect to his present club suggests that they also have a great deal more money than sense.