Newcastle have attempted to ward off suitors by placing a £20 million price on his head, but after their 2-1 victory over Spurs on the opening day of this season, Arsenal will be the first to act.
Alan Pardew, “We are on our guard in case some really big bid comes in and we need to react because if someone goes out, another player will come in.
"But success for me in this transfer window would be losing none of our stars.”
Arsenal are eyeing a replacement for Alex Song who has joined Barcelona, and the Gunners are expected to test the water this week.