Arsenal Considering A Bid For Midfield Warrior In January, But Do They Really Need Him?

Premier League giants Arsenal, who are facing problems at the moment finding a suitable defensive midfielder, are now planning to make bids to add quality reinforcements to their current squad. Recent reports suggest that a bid is being prepared to land Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote at the Emirates soon.

The Ivory Coast midfielder who is priced at £9m, has been under the radar of Arsenal for a long time now.  These reports suggest that talks are already under way with the agent of the 28-year-old Ivorian to secure a deal soon. It is understood that the Gunners have been informed that Tiote wants £80,000-a-week for a period of three-and-a-half years.

The defensive midfielder who joined Newcastle in 2010 has made a total of 118 appearances for the St. James’ Park side and has managed to net a single goal in his career till date. Now, with the transfer window open, there is a possibility that the midfielder may make a move to North London in the upcoming weeks. Tiote is a warrior type midfielder who likes to keep opponent midfield in check with his aggressive tackling skills.

Anyway, do Arsenal really need him? Tiote can provide a physical presence but to play in Arsenal midfield, a player needs some important technical skills like passing, vision, and also the required defensive work-rate. Tiote doesn’t fit the bill here. If Wenger wants to buy a defensive midfielder,  a move for some one more talented like Morgan Schneiderlin makes more sense than buying Tiote, or else, Wenger can take a risk and give more opportunities for Francis Coquelin, who has done a good job for them in recent games.