Arsenal transfer news: Cheik Tiote reveals he is open to switch from Newcastle to Gunners

The midfielder is thought to be keen to move on from St James' Park

Cheik Tiote (GETTY IMAGES)

Cheik Tiote has revealed he would be open to a move from Newcastle to Arsenal.

The midfielder is understood to be keen on a switch away from St James' Park amid the unrest at the club and calls for manager Alan Pardew to depart.

The Ivory Coast international moved to the north-east from FC Twente in 2010 for £3.5m and has since made over 100 appearances for the Magpies. His one goal for the club came in the memorable 4-4 draw with Arsenal in 2011.

The 28-year-old revealed that Arsenal showed interest over the summer and that if he were to leave Newcastle, the Emirates would be a preferred destination.

“It is true there were contacts for me from Arsenal and a club in Russia," said Tiote, reports the Shields Gazette. "I’d prefer to stay in England.”

Arsenal are in dire need of a defensive midfielder, a position Tiote has fulfilled at Newcastle.