ARSENAL could sign Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole before the World Cup starts next week, according to reports.

The Metro claim the 28-year-old midfielder, who is out of contract at Stamford Bridge, will join the Gunners on a free transfer, penning a three-year deal, after talks this week.

The speculation of a move was fuelled by comments from Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, who was also interested in landing Cole, but believes the England star has already 'agreed a deal'.

"It looks to me as if someone's going to make a great free transfer," he said.

"I genuinely don't know who that is, but I don't think it's going to be Tottenham.

"I've got a feeling - and I may be wrong - that he's already agreed a deal with someone.

"I'm a big fan of Joe's, and I would be interested if he didn't stay at Chelsea, but the feedback we've had is that he might well have already doen something."