Blues: Why we don't want Rio

Chelsea assistant manager Steve Clarke said today the club do not need Rio Ferdinand.

In a fresh attempt to play down the controversy over the player's meeting with chief executive Peter Kenyon, Clarke said the England defender would be surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.

Ferdinand, in talks with Manchester United about a new three-year deal at Old Trafford, has been linked with a move after he was spotted on a night out with Kenyon and the player's agent Pini Zahavi at two London restaurants 12 days ago.

Chelsea maintain the meeting was not planned and today Clarke said: "We have four of the best centre-halfs in the world in John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, William Gallas and Robert Huth. We don't need a central defender, but maybe there is another agenda there."

As Chelsea prepare for the visit of Arsenal tonight, the club find themselves in more difficulties while still under investigation for an illegal approach to Gunners star Ashley Cole.

Yesterday, Arsene Wenger launched a new attack on Chelsea, calling on them to respect the rules.

Kenyon is expected to answer his critics later today in a speech to football business conference Soccerex at the London headquarters of the Institute of Directors.

Clarke, however, said Cole would not be distracted by the scandal when he plays against Chelsea tonight. "Enough has been said about that," declared Clarke. "We should just let it run its course and I don't feel that it puts any significant edge on this game."

John Terry has recovered from a thigh injury and will start, but Arjen Robben is still more than a week away from full fitness.