Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote has hinted that he is interested in moving to Arsenal, after confirming that he wants to leave the north east club in January, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
Arsenal are thought to be keen on the Ivorian midfielder, who would offer exactly the sort of defensively minded player that their midfield ranks are currently missing, and were linked heavily with a move for him in the summer.
Tiote has now essentially issued a come and get me plea, although the Emirates Stadium club could yet face competition from Lokomotiv Moscow, who are also thought to hold an interest in Tiote.
Newcastle are currently bottom of the Premier League, and Tiote has piled on to their misery by admitting that he wants to move elsewhere.
He said: “I want to leave. I’ve spent four years with Newcastle.
“I think I have reached a stage where it’s maybe time to look elsewhere for a new challenge.”
However, he was quick to confirm that he would still try his best for the Geordie club between now and the transfer window.
He added: “I will focus on upcoming games and let’s see what happens between now and December.”
