Former Arsenal hero Robert Pires believes Paris St Germain will attempted to sign Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole.

The 31 year old is yet to sign an extension to his deal which expires at the end of the season, and is free to discuss terms with rival clubs should an agreement not be struck by the New Year.

Cole is understood to have already begun talks with PSG, a switch which would see him link up with former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti, and Pires says the Ligue 1 side are likely to make a move for the 99-time capped England international.

Ashley Cole
Cole is out of contract in the summer.

"When I look at this team better, I think there is something missing in midfield. They have good players in this sector, which will grow, which will learn, but it seems a bit tight," Pires, who played with Cole during his days at Arsenal, said.

"For me, the weak point is the midfield.

"There is much talk of the side, but I think they have what it takes. In this area, if they take Ashley Cole, it will already work. Paris may be of interest to all levels sportingly and financially.

"This is Paris is France. I think he might say yes to PSG. The project draws PSG. I know him well and I'm sure they're interested."

Both Pires and Cole were part of a mass exodus from Arsenal in the summer of 2006, as the breakup of the Invincibles team of the 2003/04 campaign began in earnest.

While Arsenal's loss of stars has failed to let up, Chelsea will have to move to prevent a similar situation befalling them next summer, with both Cole and midfielder Frank Lampard out of contract.

Both players played a significant role in the club's Champions League triumph last season, as well as Chelsea's sustained spell near the top of the Premier League.

Chelsea released Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Jose Bosingwa during the off-season to make way for the new breed, with the likes of Eden Haazard and Oscar joining the club in the summer.

And Roberto di Matteo's early success in rejuvenating the squad may give him good reason to allow both Lampard and Cole to leave Stamford Bridge next summer.