Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti says Ashley Cole will remain at the club for the forthcoming season.
Ancelotti told Chelsea’s website that Cole “will be an important player for us next season. One hundred percent.”
The Italian was responding to speculation linking the England left back with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer,
Media reports have claimed Cole is a target for Spanish side Real Madrid, whose new coach Jose Mourinho used to manage the defender at Chelsea.
Ancelotti, who won the Premier League and FA Cup double with Chelsea last season, also said he would not be looking to add another striker to his squad for the new campaign.
Liverpool’s Spain international Fernando Torres has been linked with a move to Chelsea.