Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko has revealed that he is desperate to leave St James' Park this summer and wants to join "the beautiful Arsenal".
The 26-year-old, who is currently with the French national team preparing for Euro 2016, is widely expected to leave Newcastle in this transfer window following their relegation to the Championship.
It is understood that Sissoko has already informed Newcastle that he is not prepared to play Championship football and now the midfielder has claimed that his dream would be to represent Arsenal.
"I have reached a level where playing in the Championship would be difficult for me. I need to continue to evolve. There will be discussions. I hope that they go in the right direction. I want to leave. I would like to continue my career in England, in a club that plays Champions League football," Sissoko told Foot Mercato.
"It is very flattering. Arsenal is one of the best European teams. Everyone knows, I often said it when I was young, Arsenal is the club of my heart, because there were quite a few French players there like Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Patrick Vieira who was my idol.
"The beautiful Arsenal. We will see. I cannot tell you if I am going to go to Arsenal. For the moment, I am focused on the French national team and the Euros."
Arsenal are also said to be closing in on deals for Leicester City duo Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.
Matt Law
