Arsenal are ready to make a bid for Newcastle United defensive midfielder Cheick Tiote, after the London based club lost their own midfielder in Mikel Arteta through injury for a few weeks, as Metro are reporting.

The Gunners have managed to rescue the start of their season, after they pulled back from a losing position against Crystal Palace on the opening weekend of the Barclays Premier League campaign. Arteta was captain for the fixture, and Arsene Wenger was delighted to begin the term with three points. Next was Besiktas in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round and they could not manage more than a draw, but lost Aaron Ramsey through suspension and Arteta through injury. The Spaniard limped off the field in the game, and will miss the next few weeks for the club.

Tiote has been performing exceptionally well for Newcastle over his spell on Tyneside, and has improved progressively every season. The Ivorian was brought to Newcastle from FC Twente and has established his place in Alan Pardew’s starting eleven. His partnership with Yohan Cabaye was commendable, before the Frenchman left St. James Park for Paris Saint Germain. Tiote plays primarily as the first line of defence, protecting the back four by breaking down opposition attacks. However, the 28-year old has also developed an impressive passing ability and plays the role of a makeshift playmaker when the team requires. He also represented Ivory Coast at the World Cup in Brazil.