By JAKE RYAN
The England star’s contract ends next summer and he is upset at only being offered a 12-month deal by Red Rom.
Europe’s top outfits are ready to swoop — and in January Cole could agree to join another club for FREE.
But Di Matteo, preparing for today’s mega showdown with Manchester United, insisted: “My recommendation and wish is that he stays here.
“He is one of the best left-backs in the world and a great asset for this club. He has got everything and has many years in front of him.”
Abramovich has a policy of only offering season-by-season deals to players who are over 30. Cole is 31.
But Di Matteo insisted: “Every case is different. You have to look at it individually, depending on their history and physical condition. I’ll make a recommendation but, ultimately, the board makes the decision.
“My point is I would like him to stay here.
“He’s a big boy, he plays every game, is very good defensively, offensively and provides a lot of attacking options.”
Cole left Arsenal in 2006 after claiming he almost ‘crashed his car’ when told that the Gunners were ‘only’ offering him £55,000 per week.
Real Madrid, Paris St Germain and Zenit St Petersburg would be keen.