Arsenal and Chelsea join forces to commission 'half-half' Ashley Cole statue

Arsenal and Chelsea may be rivals on the pitch but the achievements of one man have led to a unique collaboration off it.

Ashley Cole, who spent eight successful years with the Gunners before departing amicably for Stamford Bridge in 2006, is to receive the unprecedented honour of being jointly commemorated by two clubs.

The statue, designed by award-winning Norwegian sculptor Olaf Lipro will be inspired by the 'half half' scarf, and will see Cole wearing half an Arsenal kit and half a Chelsea kit.

Lipro said: "The brief was that, as Cole is held with such affection by both Arsenal and Chelsea fans, I must find a way of marking his time at both clubs.

"The half half statue is an idea I came up with after seeing fans wearing scarves with two clubs on it."

After months of secret talks the two London clubs have scrapped an initial 'statue-share' proposal which would involve it being rotated between the Emirates and Stamford Bridge every six months.