Arsenal have made contact with Newcastle United over a potential £9m move for Cheick Tiote.
The Gunners are expected to sign a defensive midfielder this January after calls by fans and media men to improve that area of the squad had been made to French boss Arsene Wenger.
Francis Coquelin played against Manchester City in the role at the weekend and although the 23-year-old impressed, Wenger is said to have looked at a number of potential signings.
One of those is Tiote and it is understood that early contact has been made.
Some reports across England claim that Arsenal have even discussed personal terms, claiming Tiote would received an £80k per week deal that would last three-and-a-half years.
The Ivory Coast international, has made 12 appearances for Newcastle so far this season.
