I think he would thrive under Pep tbh. I did think he was a marde arse but he has had his chin up and pushed Arsenal a lot on his own earlier this season. Give him a team of hungry top players and he will do very well.
Chelsea illegally approached Cole and if I remember cirrectly Wenger was not happy to sell him. He never had the option to sell him abroad and prevent him going to a direct rival.
One name... Wenger! His very life force is ruling that club top to bottom and anything upsetting that harmony will be got rid off to whoever comes first almost. Ashley Cole rocked the boat over pay if memory serves and he was sold to Chelsea. He was a good player and probably had a few clubs after him imo so i can see Wenger doing it just to get rid.