Cheikh Tiote has revealed that he wants to leave Newcastle United and claims that he could join Arsenal.
The 28-year-old combative midfielder arrived in England in 2010 when he joined Newcastle from Dutch side FC Twente, but over time – his impressive performances mixed with doubts over his future with the Northern English club have seen him linked with several different clubs.
Manchester United, Inter Milan and even – Real Madrid have all been mentioned in press reports, but one team who have maintained their interest are North London side Arsenal.
The Gunners are keen to add a defensive midfielder, something they have never really replaced since Alex Song left the club for Barcelona – now at West Ham United.
And, Tiote has given the biggest hint yet that he could move to the Emirates stadium.
“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,” Tiote told media in Ivory Coast.
“I will focus on upcoming games and let’s see what happens between now and December.
“It is true there were contacts for me from Arsenal and a club in Russia. I’d prefer to stay in England.”