Deadline drama for Cole and Gallas

Late deal
"Both players have agreed personal terms and passed their respective medicals," said a statement issued deep into the night. Cole made his debut back in the 1999/00 season and subsequently won two league titles and three FA Cups with the Gunners. The 25-year-old left-back's future at Arsenal had been in doubt ever since he met Chelsea officials in a London hotel in January 2005 - a meeting which brought fines for Cole and Chelsea. Although he signed a new contract until 2008, the academy graduate maintained an uneasy relationship with Arsenal officials and made just eleven appearances in an injury-hampered 2005/06 campaign.

Gallas role
Moving in the opposite direction to Cole, the versatile Gallas will bring much-needed experience to a young Arsenal defence following the departures of Sol Campbell and Pascal Cygan, who left for Villarreal CF today. The 29-year-old, who had one year remaining on his Chelsea contract, was reportedly unhappy at being asked to play full-back by José Mourinho and is expected to assume a central defensive role with the north London club. Gallas joined Chelsea in the 2001/02 season from Olympique de Marseille and won two league titles and the League Cup during his stay at Stamford Bridge. Both players are currently on international duty and will link up with their new clubs next week.