The tough midfielder snubbed the call to play for Newcastle, saying he was injured, but played two games in four days for his country,
Just like Haten Ben Arfa, he is not happy at what Alan Pardew has built at Newcastle, and is looking for a move.
He joins the list of players who see no ambition at this club, and (unless Pardew goes soon) he will join Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Debuchy out of the door.
Arsenal are interested, and he has made it known, he is interested in them.
Cheick Tiote told media in Ivory Coast: “I want to leave.
“I’ve spent four years with Newcastle.
“I think I have reached a stage where it’s maybe time to look elsewhere for a new challenge.
“I will focus on upcoming games and let’s see what happens between now and December.
“It is true there were contacts for me from Arsenal and a club in Russia.
“I’d prefer to stay in England.”