Arsenal targeting Newcastle United’s box-to-box enforcer
Rumours surfacing from the North East of England have suggested that Arsenal are preparing a serious bid for Newcastle United’s defensive midfielder Cheik Tiote.
The 24 year old has only just signed a six year and a half year deal at St. James Park so any offer will not only need to be serious but also of high value with figures speculated of around £12m. The six year-plus deal also shows Newcastle United’s reluctance to sell their star performer on, who has this season been in very good form.
Tiote’s ability as a box-to-box midfielder and his aptitude to launch attacks from defensive positions is something Arsene Wenger, it seems, is looking to add for the next campaign. Arsenal fans will also remember his strike against them at St. James’ which completed a 4-4 comeback for the Magpies.
Whilst Arsenal look to be in a position where they would like to acquire some experience, Tiote is somewhat a mixture of both. He has been in the Premiership since 2010 and at the age of 24 still has his best years ahead of him. One does feel however that any deal for the Ivorian will require a good sum of transfer cash and shrewd negotiating with both club and player from Mr Wenger.
