Temporarily deposed Premier League leaders Arsenal
look set to pursue their interest in former Newcastle
front man Demba Ba in January. The Gunners came
extremely close to signing the Senegalese on loan
from London rivals Chelsea in the summer transfer
window, only for Jose Mourinho to pull the plug on
the deal at the very last minute. Mourinho feared
that with Ozil and Ba, Wenger's team would really
offer a threat to Chelsea and their hopes of wining
the League title.
Demba Ba, just after the window closed, was quoted
saying ,"I wanted to play – and I want to play. I was
ready to go there [Arsenal] but it didn't happen."
With his first team opportunities being reduced to
the bare minimum this season, Ba may just push for
the move. The fact that Ba has been dropped from
the Senegal team for the upcoming World Cup
qualifiers makes it imperative for him to get first
team football, especially in a World Cup year.
However, Newcastle United are also reported to be
interested in their former hitman, and Chelsea will no
doubt prefer loaning him to the Magpies.
Arsenal have had a good run so far this season,
however, Olivier Giroud is the only recognized striker
in the squad. Wenger will be praying that nothing
happens to his front man at least until January. Worst
case scenario, Arsenal will have to rely on Nicklas
Bendtner since Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott are
also out injured. The Dane hasn't been at his best
physically and the only reason he's part of the
Arsenal squad is because Wenger has so many
players out injured and he doesn't have another
recognized Striker. Demba Ba will be a quality
addition considering the Senegal striker's ability.
He'll offer a good option off the bench and can lead
the line well when Giroud needs a rest or is
unavailable for selection. Arsenal are expected to
make a loan offer up-till the end of the season
followed by a £5 million option to make the move
permanent.
Chelsea hold all the cards, and the decision to loan
him to a direct rival at the end of the day will be
made by Mourinho. Come January, the League
standings and the form of both the teams will play a
major factor in the completion of the deal.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.
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