According to reports, Arsenal are closely watching Newcastle United’s French midfielder, Moussa Sissoko, ahead of a possible transfer. The powerful midfielder is also interested in the move, having recently declared his ‘love’ for Arsenal and ambition of playing in the UEFA Champions League.
Sissoko has been a key member of Newcastle’s revival under Alan Pardew and is the engine room in the midfield, somewhere Arsenal are considered to be lacking. In a recent interview, Sissoko told of his childhood fondness of the Gunners, stating: “When I was young, Arsenal were my favourite team. My idol, Patrick Vieira, played there. I have always loved that club. I still love that club.”
That wasn’t all, as Sissoko dropped more hints that he is after a move to North London, stating his desire to play in the Champions League: “I’m ambitious. My aim is to play in the best clubs, play the Champions League, win trophies.”
Arsene Wenger is thought to be keen to add a somewhat defensive-minded midfielder in the January transfer window. According to many reports in the media, Arsenal have a budget of over £20 million to play with in the upcoming window. Tyrone Mings and Winston Reid have also been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium, so whether the club could afford all of their targets is another matter.
Newcastle’s midfielder cooled talk of a January move though, saying: “I’ll be at Newcastle until the end of the season. After that, we’ll see.”
Whether that stance could change with a bid from Arsenal is another matter. For now though, it is thought the club have made no formal bids. It is just early interest at this stage, and Arsene Wenger is a keen admirer of the player.
