http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8607009183_f38cc135e3.jpgIf there is a new version of Arsenal in the Premier League, it would have to be Newcastle United.

That is according to Moussa Sissoko, who feels the Magpies’ growing amount of recruits from France is enough to brand them as the ‘new Arsenal’.

The 23-year-old became the tenth Frenchman in Newcastle’s squad after joining them during the January transfer window, but considering how the likes of yesterday’s Robert Pires and today’s Olivier Giroud have all graced the Premier League during Arsene Wenger’s time, it is easy to compare Alan Pardew’s new group of Ligue 1 stars to that of Arsenal’s well known French contingent.

And Sissoko sees the similarity.

“I was a bit surprised that so many French players signed here (for Newcastle). I think this club is the new Arsenal because there are so many French players. ” Sissoko said

Two assists, coupled with three goals in seven league games have witnessed the former Toulouse man take England by storm since arriving a couple of months ago, attracting praises and comparisons to former Arsenal skipper and midfield general Patrick Vieira.

But Sissoko, who recently admitted that he once dreamed of playing in Arsenal colours, claims his childhood role model was actually that same man he is now compared to, Vieira.

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“I was inspired by him, by his game and his success.” Sissoko said

“He had a great career and I would be happy to achieve half of what he did. It would be a dream if I can do even better than him..” he added