Joe Cole has been heavily linked to Arsenal this summer after Chelsea announced that he will not be staying at the football club. However he allegedly wants in excess of £120k a week and it begs the question as to whether Arsenal should be meeting his demands.

Whilst Arsenal are said not to be willing to meet those demands outright, they are reportedly prepared to give Cole a basic £80,000 a week, three-year contract laden with bonus such as getting in the top four, winning the Premiership and winning the Champions League.

Although Cole is a good player, he isn’t of the calibre to command a wage in line with the highest earners at the football club, like Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas is a world class player and could walk into any side in the world with ease; he has contributed to Arsenal immensely over the last few years and is their captain. Cole in contrast has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place during his seven years at Chelsea. He has had to overcome a lot of injury problems and should have to prove his fitness before gets such a high-wage contract. Arsenal won’t want to be in a situation where they are paying Joe Cole a huge amount of money without him being in a fit state to play.

The big question is if they can keep Cole fit then he could make a big impact for the side. He is a very adaptable player as he can play on both flanks, behind the striker and is able to use both feet. Although a gifted player he can consider himself lucky to have made the England squad for the World Cup as he hasn’t played too much football for Chelsea this season and most of his appearances have been a substitute. However this is also testament to his ability that Fabio Capello picked him despite not too much playing time because he knows just how good Joe Cole can be.

Arguably most of Arsenal’s attacking players haven’t had as big an impact on their season as they should have and Cole could bring some much needed vitality to the side, however at what price? Is he worth his massive wage demands, or should Arsenal be looking for a cheaper alternative elsewhere?

Do you think Joe Cole deserves the quoted wages?

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