Wenger Plots £16m Bid For French International, Player Wants Arsenal Move

With the January transfer window just around the corner managers are getting ready to strengthen their squads ahead of the second half of the season, so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Arsenal are linked with a move for Moussa Sissoko.

Arsene Wenger is eyeing a £16m move for Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko just days after the player admitted his love for Arsenal, according to reports.

Our season has once again been blighted by a lengthy injury list and our options in the middle of the park are thin on the ground after Jack Wilshere was ruled out for at least three months with an ankle ligament injury, while Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey are also on the sidelines.

Many fans are hoping that Wenger will bring in a defensive-minded midfielder this winter to act as a long-term replacement for Arteta after he failed to land any of his reported targets in the summer, but it appears the boss may instead look to sign a dynamic all-round midfielder who could fill several roles.

Sissoko would certainly fit that bill as he’s got experience in playing in a deeper or more advanced role in midfield, and the Mirror are reporting today that Wenger is eyeing-up a £16m bid for the French international next month.

The newspaper states that we have around £20m to spend in January and although a centre-back remains a priority, the boss is also keen to strengthen his midfield options and Sissoko has emerged as a key target.

The news comes just days after the 25-year-old admitted that his idol was former skipper Patrick Vieira and he’s loved Arsenal since he was a child, while he also confirmed that his ambition is to play for a top club in the Champions League.

Sissoko said:

“I have ambition. My goal is to play at the best clubs, playing the Champions League, win trophies, but today I am a Magpie and I am very happy.”

“Arsenal were my favourite club when I was young and my idol was Patrick Vieira. I have always loved this club and I still love them.” Sissoko is quoted as saying by the Mirror

Judging by these comments, the midfielder would certainly be keen on the move should we make a formal play for his signature next month, but it remains to be seen whether £16m would be enough to persuade Newcastle to cash in.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news

Sissoko would be a useful addition if we could get a deal agreed but I personally think a top class central defender and an established holding midfielder should be priorities. The Newcastle midfielder can play a variety of positions but I really feel we finally need to bring in a specialist defensive midfielder and there will also need to be money left over to sign a defender as we’re lacking depth at the back too.