Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko is set for a summer move away from St. James Park following the clubs relegation to the Championship, according to reports from The Guardian.
The Frenchman allegedly wants away from the Magpies having joined the club back in January 2013 from Toulouse, following their relegation to the Championship.
With the 26-year old having been selected – much to the surprise of many – in Didier Deschamps’ Les Blues squad for Euro 2016, the midfielder has stated his need to continue to ‘play at the highest level’ in order for his development as a player as keep himself in the frame for international football.
Rafael Benitez is keen on keeping the marauding midfielder, however the player is reportedly adamant a move away is the right one, and spoke highly of Arsenal when asked about his future.
“Arsenal is one of the best European clubs. To be followed by this kind of club, it’s good to know. I hope I will have a chance soon to play for this club or a similar club.” he said.
“I think few people would refuse to play for this club. The beautiful Arsenal.”
The reaction from the Arsenal fans at the Tavern has been mixed, some saying he is the midfield general they’ve craved for so many years and others saying his lack of worth ethic means he shouldn’t come to the Gunners.
Our landlord thinks that Arsenal should steer clear from Sissoko this summer, and here’s why…..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE 5 REASONS WHY WENGER SHOULD AVOID THIS DEAL AT ALL COSTS
They Can Do Better
Arsenal have been linked with a number of world class additions this summer, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, so signing a player who has just been relegated to the second tier of English football would be underwhelming for many Gunners fans.
Arsenal need to attract world class talent if they want to bolster their title chances.
Work Ethic
Sissoko was often criticised for his poor work ethic amid a dreadful season on Tyneside.
While the Frenchman showed glimpses of brilliance during his time with the North East giants, they were few and far between and more often than not you’d see the 26-year-old wandering in a Yaya Toure-esque fashion instead of putting in the ground work in midfield.
Coquelin
Looking for a French central midfielder who loves to tackle and enforces the midfield?
If Arsene Wenger looked under his nose he’d realise he already had one in Francis Coquelin.
While Sissoko how may more attacking prowess and Coquelin seems to be chronically injured, why replace what you already have with an arguably less capable player?
Poor Passing
Arsenal are well known for their ability to pass and keep the ball amongst their midfield, as well as up-front. The Gunner’s squad is glistening with skilful players such as Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey who are all capable of moving the ball in tight situations.
Sissoko’s pass completion rate of 76% last term was lower than any of the other Arsenal midfielders, begging the question as to whether he’d be able to keep up with Arsenal’s unique style of play.
Past Signings
Wenger has, over the years, made stranger signings.
Re-signing Mathieu Flamini from AC Milan after two injury ridden seasons, and bringing 31-year-old Swede Kim Kallstrom on loan despite two broken vertebrae stand out as the most calamitous.
If history is anything to go by, rushing in to signing players with arguably low credentials doesn’t work.
