Arsene Wenger is on the lookout for a defensive midfielder to replace the injured and ageing Mikel Arteta in the middle of the park. After unsuccessful pursuits of William Carvalho and Sami Khedira in the recent times, the Gunners boss now seems to have settled for the Newcastle United talisman.

According to Telegraph, the French manager will be handed over a warchest of £20 million, which is more than enough to secure a deal for the midfielder.

Arsene Wenger is known for changing the positions of footballers for the good and Moussa Sissoko, who has an eye for the goal, may as well reiterate the belief, if his transfer to Emirates Stadium goes through.

During an interview with L’Equipe, the French midfielder confessed his love for Arsenal stating that he grew up watching Patrick Vieira don the Arsenal shirt.

“Arsenal were my favourite club when I was young and my idol was Patrick Vieira. I have always loved this club and I still love them.”

He admitted that he’s overwhelmed by rumours linking him with the North London outfit but maintained that his current focus is to shine under Alan Pardew.

“There were a lot of rumours about an Arsenal move but I do not pay too much attention. I have an agent that takes care of that. If something should happen, it will happen. I have ambition. My goal is to play at the best clubs, playing the Champions League, win trophies, but today I am a Magpie and I am very happy.”

While the other defensive midfielder would cost the Gunners nothing short of £30 million and having spent £84 million last summer, Moussa Sissoko looks like a realistic target for Arsenal in January.