French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia has dealt Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan a blow by admitting he is still keen on a move, with Premier League rivals Arsenal a preferred destination.
The 22-year-old has been unsettled on Tyneside for some time and told the
manager of his misgivings shortly after his return to St James' Park in
January.
Keegan tried to persuade the former Le Havre player his future lay on Tyneside
amid speculation that both the Gunners and Tottenham were monitoring his
situation, but promised him he would consider the alternative if his feelings
remained unchanged.
The youngster now appears to have made his position clear, leaving Keegan with
a decision he would rather not have to make as he attempts to bolster his squad
for the new season.
N'Zogbia told France Football: 'At the end of last season, I didn't play a
lot, so that has given me desire to play somewhere else.
'When I will talk with the coach, it will be clearer. My priority is to play.
'I have dreamt about Arsenal since I was kid. I would be delighted to join the
Gunners.
'It is a famous team that has big coverage in France. But Tottenham is
exciting too.
'I have never played in Ligue 1. That could be an experience in my career. But
frankly, it is not my current priority.
'I am playing in one of the best leagues in the world and I feel a little like
at home here.'
Newcastle fought a compensation battle over N'Zogbia after former boss Sir
Bobby Robson persuaded him to leave Le Havre in September 2004.
He initially prospered at St James', but lost his way under Glenn Roeder.
Sam Allardyce employed him as an emergency left-back at the start of last
season and he appeared to have resolved his problems.
However, after being included in Keegan's team for the first few weeks of his
second reign, he lost his place and featured only sporadically as a difficult
campaign drew to a close.
Should the Magpies decide to cash in on the France Under-21 international, they
will look for a sizeable fee as they try to strengthen their squad.
His pace and invention would be a loss from a side which at times last season,
lacked both qualities.
Keegan has already signed Argentina winger Jonas Gutierrez and is now closing
in on his remaining targets.
