The feel good factor returned to Arsenal to a degree on Wednesday as The Gunners trounced Galatasaray in The Champions League with a well-earned hat trick from new boy Danny Welbeck.
But Arsenal will come up against much tougher opposition and we shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that it’s going to be plain sailing from now on.
That soft core has been exposed time and again and many believe that more grit is required to properly optimise the talent that Arsene Wenger has at his disposal.
In short Arsenal need a midfield powerhouse. And in news that will leave Gunners fans rejoicing it appears that they have at least been looking for one. Arsene Wenger isn’t ignorant to the glaring weakness in his side after all. Newcastle’s midfield dynamo Cheick Tiote has declared that The Gunners showed an interest in him in the summer.
“I want to leave,” he said. “I’ve spent four years with Newcastle and I think I’ve reached the stage where it’s maybe time to look elsewhere for a new challenge.
“I will focus on the upcoming games and see what happens between now and December but it is true there was contact for me in the summer from Arsenal and also from a club in Russia. I would prefer to stay in England, though.”
Tiote is no Vieira. Nor does he have the technique of a William Carvalho. But what he does have is proven Premier League class. He’s a bluer of energy who main directive and strength is for snapping at the heels of the opposition creators – closing down space, getting tackles in and denying time to the players who would otherwise hurt Arsenal. He also has a decent range of passing and a good shot on him.
For perhaps around £10m we believe that this is a no-brainer. Tiote is a busy enforcer who never gives less than 100% and would absolutely love the chance to play for a club as grand as Arsenal – this would be by far his biggest career opportunity to date.
Let’s see him in action. Arsenal fans: worth a punt?
bob
Oct 2, 2014 at 7:33 pm
his only concern for me is his disapline,he collects yellow cards for fun,better to have a more disaplined player .
james ogezi
Oct 2, 2014 at 7:41 pm
If tiote and sami khiedera are determine to come to arsenal i will appreciate that