Gunners Consider Toon Ace as Turk Transfer Looms - Report

Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote, as replacement for Cameroon international Alex Song, who joined Catalan giants Barcelona for £15m last week. Manager Arsene Wenger earlier admitted he would look to sign a new midfielder, following Song's departure and the Metro suggests the Toon anchorman could be that signing.

The 23 year old Ivory Coast international has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Spurs and Chelsea, following a growing reputation as one of the best holding midfielders in the league. He transferred to the Sports Direct Arena in 2010, from Eredivise side FC Twente.

It is believed Wenger expects the lure of playing Champions League football will be enough to persuade the player to come to London.

Meanwhile, the French tactician has also been linked with a fresh approach for Rennes midfielder and long-term rumoured target Yann M'Vila. The French club's general manager Pierre Dreossi admitted interest from the Gunners (and several other clubs) but insisted nothing had been agreed.

Sahin Set for Switch

It is understood that irrespective of moves for either Tiote or M'Vila, the Gunners will bring Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin on board, via a season-long loan. However, the Turkish international is viewed as a creative player and not as a replacement for Song.

The 23 year old is understood to be close to signing the long-drawn out switch to the Emirates and the deal seems to have survived a snag that surfaced earlier. It appears the Spanish champions wanted a buy-out clause of £14m attached to the deal if the Gunners decided on making the loan move a permanent one - something Wenger was not happy with. However, it now seems a compromise has been arranged and the transfer should go through.

Sahin has struggled at Madrid since arriving from Borussia Dortmund last year but he could be a key piece in Arsenal's summer re-design, which has seen significant changes to their sqaud. Liverpool have also been linked with the Turkey international but the Gunners, with the Champions League spot under their belts, have always been favourites for his siganture.