Arsene Wenger has been told to come back with an improved offer if he wants to sign Yohan Cabaye.
Newcastle director of football Joe Kinnear says the Arsenal manager has been informed of what he needs to stump up to recruit the French star.
Wenger had a £10million bid for the Magpies ace turned down and Kinnear has revealed it is the Gunners who must now make the next move. “We’ve told Arsenal our terms,” Kinnear said. “The ball is in their court.”
Toon chief Alan Pardew criticised Wenger for unsettling the midfielder ahead of the season and Cabaye subsequently missed Newcastle’s opening two Premier League against Manchester City and West Ham.
Arsenal are desperate to land Cabaye before the close of the transfer window to bolster a squad that so far this summer hasn’t been strengthened.
The Emirates boss faced a barrage of abuse after his side slipped to a shock 3-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa on the opening day of the new Premier League season.
But the Gunners have since seen off Fenerbahce 3-0 in the first leg of a Champions League qualifying tie, and then thumped Fulham 3-1 in the league at Craven Cottage.
Arsenal face Fenerbahce in the second leg tomorrow night at the Emirates and then host north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday.
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