Chieck Tiote (Newcastle United)
Arsenal desperately lack an ‘enforcer’ and could certainly do with a tough tackling presence at the centre of the park and whilst the North London club have been linked with West Ham’s Mohamed Diame a move for Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote would be a more suitable move to consider.
For a good 18 months the Ivory Coast international was a near unplayable opponent, his form helping the Magpies to a top five finish last term. There is every chance Tiote would be willing to use Newcastle United as a stepping stone, much as Demba Ba did, and a move to Arsenal could well tempt the former FC Twente man.
Tiote could fill the void left by Alex Song’s move to Barcelona and a move may be all the more likely if Abou Diaby can not manage to string a run of games together with the Frenchman all to often being sidelined with injury or simply not playing to his full potential.
Given that Newcastle United have splashed out on six new signings over January Mike Ashley could be ready to listen to good offers for a player who cost a bargain £3.5m in August 2010.