Cheick Tioté – Is he right for Arsenal?

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Aaron Lennon of Tottenham Hotspur competes with Cheick Tiote of Newcastle United during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at Sports Direct Arena on August 18, 2012 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Cheick Tioté has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, since anchorman Alex Song traded life in North London for Catalonia in a deal believed to be worth £15 million. Tioté will always be remembered for his stunning left footed volley for Newcastle against the Gunners in their 4-4 draw, which saw Arsenal let a four-goal lead slip, in February 2011. There is much, much more though to the defensive midfielder’s game.

We all know that the Arsenal defence was shaky and vulnerable last season, constantly making comical errors. Alex Song helped protect the ever-changing Arsenal back four last season, which helped them to a majestic 3rd place finish after a somewhat patchy start.

Arsenal need to replace Song, as he was an influential figure for the Gunners and is extremely underrated. If they don’t, they could really struggle defensively. Before the 2012/13 season, many pundits labelled Song as the key man if they were to succeed, as Song was the player who broke up play, but contributed in attacks too. Tioté is a similar player to Song, in the aspect of a tough tackling brand of midfielder.

However, Arsene Wenger will have to realise that due to Tioté’s position, Cheick will be suspended now and again. Tioté has a proven track record of getting booked once every two games since joining the Toons, and I don’t think Wenger will tolerate this, so he will have to be extremely careful if and when he plays for Arsenal. It is believed that Arsenal will place a bid of around £15 million within the next week, and that is an incredibly cheap deal for someone of Titoé’s quality. I wouldn’t be surprised if Newcastle boss Alan Pardew rejected the bid.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Per Mertesacker of Arsenal in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on August 18, 2012 in London, England.

Tioté is one of those players who could fit into virtually any side, and he will be perfect protection for the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Johan Djourou, Thomas Vermaelen and Kieran Gibbs, not to forget the error stricken and somewhat unreliable Wojciech Szcz?sny.

Speculation has also been going all through the summer regarding Rennes defensive midfielder Yann M’Villa, who is an alternative to Tioté, at a much lower price, rumoured to be £10 million.

I feel, however, that Tioté will work wonders at Arsenal, as their midfield is a bit weak with Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey, although they have just signed Santi Cazorla, with Jack Wilshere making a return late October. Arsenal need to replace Song to keep up with their rivals.