Newcastle & Arsenal eye free transfer forward

Newcastle are weighing up a move for former Chelsea forward and reported Arsenal target Salomon Kalou, reports the Daily Mail.

The 26-year-old Ivorian international is a free agent following the expiry of his contract in west London, with his last appearance coming in the Blues' Champions League final triumph in Munich.

After returning to first-team action under the interim management of Roberto Di Matteo, Kalou had been expected to sign a new deal to remain at Stamford Bridge. But, after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich failed to offer the African new terms, he will now be available on a Bosman free, much to the interest of rival Premier League clubs.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of Kalou's, having tried to bring him to north London when he first signed for Chelsea in 2006. And, as Arsenal look to strengthen their forward ranks at the Emirates Stadium this summer, the winger - who scored 60 goals in more than 250 Blues appearances - could be seen as an attractive option.

However, Bundesliga side Schalke remain the favourites for his signature, despite additional interest from Kalou's former club Feyenoord, and now Europa League hopefuls Newcastle, as Alan Pardew looks to continue his impressive work on Tyneside.