Tottenham target Moussa Sissoko talked of his love for “beautiful Arsenal” just weeks ago

It's been a funny old year for Moussa Sissoko.

The 27-year-old midfielder was powerless to stop Newcastle United's slide into the Championship in 2015/16, yet, despite an unimpressive season on Tyneside, found himself one of the star performers in France's Euro 2016 campaign. Sissoko impressed so much in the hosts' run to the final, he's been linked with a number of clubs throughout the summer, including (somewhat unbelievably) European champions, Real Madrid. The move the the Bernabeu has failed to materialise (shocking), but it seems likely that Sissoko will be leaving Newcastle on transfer deadline day. Reports are suggesting that Sissoko could be on the cusp of a move to Tottenham, with Sky Sports sources suggesting Mauricio Pochettino could move to bring the player to White Hart Lane. This isn't the first time that Sissoko has been linked with a move to North London this summer, either. During the Euros, Sissoko gave an interview to Foot Mercato, where he confirmed his intentions to leave Newcastle and described how he was flattered to be linked with a move to Spurs' rivals, Arsenal.

"It is very flattering. Arsenal is one of the best European teams. To be watched by that sort of club, that proves that you are a quality player. "Everyone knows, I often said it when I was young, Arsenal is the club of my heart, because there were quite a few French players there like Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Patrick Vieira who was my idol… "The beautiful Arsenal. We will see. I cannot tell you if I am going to go to Arsenal. For the moment, I am focused on the French national team and the Euros."

We're sure Spurs fans will be delighted to hear a potential new signing has spoken about their fiercest rivals in such glowing terms. Latest reports indicate that although there is interest in Sissoko from Spurs, the £30m valuation being placed on him by Newcastle is considered too high by Mauricio Pochettino's team. Read more from SportsJOE: