Speculation is reaching fever pitch with regards to this Wenger target who appears to be open to a move to north London.
The highly-rated French defender, 22, is one of the lowest-paid players at St James’ Park after arriving as a virtual unknown in a £1.5million summer deal from Lens.
The Toon are keen to tie him down to a lucrative new long-term contract by offering to quadruple his £5,000-a-week deal.
They hope to head off interest from Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who has been alerted by the centre-back’s impressive displays this season.
But the Magpies cannot commit to any new deals until they secure their Premier League status, meaning contract talks with Bassong have been put on ice until the end of the season.
Wenger is ready to test their resolve with a £6m summer bid and Bassong admitted: “My agent told me about Arsenal’s interest and it would be a lie if I said they are not a club I’m interested in.
“We’ll see what happens.” (The Sun)
Joe Kinnear must be fuming. Clearly talk of a potential move to the Emirates seems to have turned the young Frenchmen’s head and if Arsene Wenger is really considering such a move then Newcastle will struggle to keep the impressive defender at the club. Alternatively this could all be a plan manufactured by the players agent in order to increase the players wage packet but either way it seems that a string of fine performances have alerted attention to the 22 year old and if he helps the Toon Army the right side of the relegation line then i would suggest that he is quickly offered a new improved contract to avert a bidding war. Do Arsenal fans think the club could do with Bassong?