Moussa Sissoko has again reiterated his admiration for Arsenal, seemingly in the hope of receiving an offer during the January window.
The France international has been at Newcastle United since January 2013, when he joined from Toulouse in a bargain £1.7million transfer as his contract entered its final six months. He has gone on to become a key player for the Magpies, scoring nine goals in 78 matches in all competitions from his midfield role, and he has now racked up 27 appearances for his country.
Sissoko has never made a secret of his desire to test his quality at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League, and nor has he shied away from his affection for the Gunners. Indeed, just last month he claimed the North London outfit are his favourite club, and cited his compatriot and former Highbury legend Patrick Vieira as a player he particularly admired.
Although he signed a lengthy six-and-a-half year contract when he joined Newcastle two years ago, it now seems that the 25-year-old is getting itchy feet and is eyeing pastures new. And with the North East side unlikely to be competing in the Champions League anytime soon, he has once more spoken of his appreciation for Arsenal and their head coach Arsene Wenger.
“If anything should happen [in the January transfer window], it will,” he told Telefoot. “I hope I’ll leave for a bigger club one day, but I don’t know when. England is my priority. If Arsene Wenger calls, I’ll have a man-to-man discussion with him and then we’ll see. Arsenal has always been the club of my heart. I don’t want to set limits to myself. I want to go higher. That’s my goal.”
Newcastle have in recent past made handsome profits on players they have signed, such as Yohan Cabaye who arrived for £4.5million from Lille and was sold to Paris St Germain for £20million last winter. And in the most recent summer window, defender Mathieu Debuchy, another signing from Lille, this time for £5.5million in 2013, joined Arsenal for twice the amount.
It is understood that they are also willing, albeit reluctantly, to cash in on Sissoko before the current window closes on 2 February. However, they are thought to have slapped a £20milllion price tag on the head of the midfielder, and although Wenger is believed to be keen on the player, he is unlikely to be a priority right now with his defence believed to be his main area for improvement.
Is this evidence of Sissoko attempting to engineer a move to Arsenal, and how much is he worth? Let us know your thoughts by joining the discussion below.
