With Mikel Arteta out injured (and Diaby of course but that goes without saying), Arsenal’s only real defensive midfielder is Matthieu Flamini at the moment. All our readers have been clamouring for Wenger to bring in a new beast to help out the defence but until now that seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
But today the Express believes that Arsenal are favourites to land the Ivorian enforcer Cheick Tiote in January for around £15.5million. It was recently reported that Tiote had told reporters that he had spoken to Arsenal about a possible move but the 28 year-old has since denied these stories. “I saw the quotes that appeared yesterday, but they are not accurate.” Tiote said.
“Yes, there was some interest in me over the summer and that can be a bit distracting, but nothing came of it.
“I’m back to full fitness and only thinking about doing my best for the team. We are not in a good position in the league right now and I want to get us up to where we should be.
“I am as committed as I have ever been to Newcastle.”
I’m not sure if he can be totally committed to a side that seems completely off kilter under Pardew and are looking like relegation fodder right now. Surely if given the opportunity to join a Champions League club like Arsenal he would jump at the chance?
How many of our readers think that Tiote is exactly what we need to tighten us up at the back? I would certainly prefer him over Khedira…..