Benitez confirms agreement over new Chelsea deal for Ashley Cole

Following the Blues' 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the Spaniard revealed that the veteran full-back is close to signing a new contract

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez has revealed that the club have reached an agreement with defender Ashley Cole over a new contract.

The 32-year-old had been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with his situation thought to mirror that of Frank Lampard - who is set to leave upon the expiry of his current deal at the end of the season.

However, following the Blues' 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, Benitez claimed that the announcement of a new contract for Cole is imminent.

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"Now the club has an agreement with the player [we are] really pleased. The paperwork has to be done but the agreement is done," he told reporters.

Cole arrived at Chelsea from London rivals Arsenal back in 2006, and has since made 284 appearances for the club.