Magpies star open to Emirates Stadium switch.
Arsenal have been given a real boost in their pursuit of Ivory Coast international Chieck Tiote with the London Evening Standard claiming that the Newcastle United midfielder is open to a move to the north London side.
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The 28 year old former FC Twente man wants to leave St James’ Park and has admitted his interest in a move to the Emrirates Stadium, where he could offer the Gunners some much needed steel in the centre of the park.
Newcastle United paid £3.5m to bring in Tiote in 2010 and he has gone on to 120 appearances for the Magpies but could now be on his way out.
Tiote has publicly confirmed interest from Arsenal, stating;
“It is true there were contacts for me from Arsenal and a club in Russia,”
The tough tackler added;
“I want to leave,”
“I’ve spent four years with Newcastle. I think I have reached a stage where it’s maybe time for me to look elsewhere for a new challenge.
“I will focus on upcoming games and let’s see what happens between now and December.”
Tiote may be a better defensively minded midfield option than both veteran skipper Mikel Arteta and Frenchman Mathieu Flamini and one wonders how much Mike Ashley would demand for the enforcer, who’s contract runs until 2017.