The combative Tiote has been a mainstay of the Magpies’ midfield since his move from FC Twente back in 2010, and is said to have caught the eye of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger this term.
Defensive-minded Francis Coquelin drew widespread plaudits for his performance as Arsenal toppled champions Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, and Wenger was given a first-hand look at the benefits of a specialised holding midfielder in his engine room.
According to the Daily Star, the Frenchman is considering a bid for the Magpies enforcer and preliminary talks have already been held between the Tiote’s representatives and Arsenal.
The report claims that Tiote is seeking a three-and-a-half-year contract at the Emirates, with wages of around £80,000 a week, although the 28-year-old is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
Tiote, who has made 12 appearances for Newcastle this season, was part of the Ivory Coast side that drew 1-1 with Guinea at the AFCON on Tuesday.