Former Arsenal co-owner David Dein has apologised to Ashley Cole for the mishandling of his transfer to Chelsea in 2006. Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Dein expressed regret over losing the academy graduate, calling it 'crazy' that the club let him go for a few thousand pounds a week.
Cole, branded 'Cashley' by Arsenal fans, moved to Chelsea after a secret meeting with then-manager Jose Mourinho, which led to fines for both. Dein said the board refused to increase Cole's wages due to financial constraints linked to the construction of the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal's best offer was £55,000 per week, while Chelsea offered £90,000. The transfer saw William Gallas move in the opposite direction, with Chelsea paying only £5 million. Dein noted that he and Arsène Wenger believed a deal could have been reached, but the board deemed it unaffordable.
Cole went on to win numerous trophies at Chelsea, including the Champions League and Premier League. Dein said the situation 'shouldn't have happened' and that he has personally apologised to Cole.
