Arsenal Transfer News: Moussa Sissoko Hints at Newcastle Exit, Top Rumours

Long-term Arsenal target Moussa Sissoko says a lack of Champions League football has restricted his career, implying he would consider a move away from Newcastle United to further his ambitions.

France Football (h/t Paul Gorst of Metro) quoted the talented player talking about his current situation and what he might do in the near future:

"

Today, I look at those who are playing in my position [for France]. There is Blaise Matuidi who is doing extraordinary things at PSG, Paul Pogba, who is marvellous at Juventus. 

Yohan Cabaye, who has just signed for Crystal Palace and Morgan Schneiderlin who is now at Manchester United. Compared to me, they are all playing in big clubs.

[The end of the season] is still far away. I have ambitions but I will first think about having a good league season and a good Euros, that I hope to win with France. After that, I will have all the time to think about [my future]. 

When you look at certain moves, I said to myself this is enormous. Certain transfers shock me.

"

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

The discontent is easy to read in the player's statement, with the Magpies not competing for trophies and perpetually treading water. 

Sissoko was linked to the Gunners in the summer, per Ben Jefferson of the Express, but a switch to north London did not develop, with manager Arsene Wenger opting not to sign a major outfield player. 

The France international has impressed for the Magpies over the past two seasons, appearing 69 times in the Premier League, scoring on seven occasions and providing eight assists prior to the start of the new campaign, per WhoScored.com. The 26-year-old's ability to play in the centre or wide make him a valuable asset, and he would add power and strength to Wenger's host of diminutive midfielders. 

However, the Chronicles' Mark Douglas doesn't believe Sissoko can make the step up to play for one of the better teams in English football if he decides to leave St James' Park:

The lack of activity in the window suggests Wenger is only looking toward the superstars of world football, but if he wants to bring diversity into his midfield core, Sissoko would be a viable candidate. The player has international experience and hunger, and the Gunners' playing style would suit the Frenchman.

Doumbia Reveals English Interest

Roma striker Seydou Doumbia has revealed he spoke with a host of English clubs this summer about a potential move, with Arsenal thought to be interested. 

Armando Franca/Associated Press

Marc Williams of the Daily Star reported the Ivory Coast international could have made his way to the Premier League, but he has rejoined CSKA Moscow on loan after an unhappy period in the Italian capital.

Speaking to Africa Top Sports, the 27-year-old revealed the interest in his services: "I had contacts with English clubs, but CSKA was the best solution. I wasn't happy and I wanted to come back. Since the first day in Rome I didn't feel good. Now I'm back to CSKA Moscow and I'm happy again. I'm still owned by Roma but I have no intention of going back."

The player had been linked with Arsenal in the past before moving to Roma, as reported by Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star, but Doumbia opted to move to Italy instead of London.

Michel Spingler/Associated Press

Both Sissoko and Doumbia are good footballers but neither would strengthen Arsenal to the level they currently require. Arsenal fans have been dreaming of names such as Karim Benzema and Edinson Cavani, with Doumbia not on the radar.

Doumbia has been prolific in the past, scoring 17 goals in just 18 Russian Premier League starts in 2013-14, per WhoScored, but he would not get into the first XI ahead of Olivier Giroud and would struggle with the intensity of English football.

Sissoko has the vital experience needed in England to make the step up; the player seems to think Crystal Palace are a bigger club than Newcastle, meaning he could potentially leave for any side threatening the top 10 of the division.

However, Arsenal need a midfielder of world-class pedigree, and Sissoko doesn't fit the bill.