Ashley Cole's controversial move from Arsenal to Chelsea was the transfer story of the summer of 2006. Cole's switch across London nearly happened a year earlier, but a deal was on August 31, 2006.
The left-back signed for Chelsea for a fee of just £5 million, with William Gallas making the switch from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates Stadium as part of the deal. The rest is history - Cole went on to establish himself as arguably the world's best left-back, winning a Champions League, a Premier League title and four FA Cups during his time at the Blues.
Arsenal fans were angry with Cole for moving to their London rivals, as they highlighted financial gain as the main incentive behind his move. However, former Gunners vice-chairman David Dein has revealed that the club could have, and should have, done more to keep Cole in north London.
