Arsenal open Cole talks

Arsenal have opened contract talks with England star Ashley Cole.

The full back has two years left on his current deal at Highbury but was recently linked with Real Madrid.

The Spanish titans were purportedly lining up Cole as the long-term successor to Brazilian Roberto Carlos.

The North Londoners brushed off talk of the interest from Real by insisting they had no plans to part with Cole.

Wenger has now confirmed that talks are underway to try and tie the defender to a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2009.

"We are talking at the moment about giving him a better contract," Wenger stated.

"This will give him the recognition as one of the top players and we hope it will all be concluded in the next few months."