Arsenal face competition for tough tackler

Arsenal would have to ward off interest from Napoli in order to sign Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote in the winter transfer window, The Mirror reports.

The Gunners have been long linked with a move for the Ivory Coast international as manager Arsene Wenger looks to add a defensive midfielder to the club's ranks in the New Year.

According to The Mirror, Napoli boss Rafael Benitez is keen on signing up the 28-year-old in order to inject some dynamism into his midfield.

Tiote has made 122 appearances for the Magpies since his move from FC Twente in 2010.