Arsenal are reportedly readying a £15 m January move for Chelsea striker Demba Ba, according to reports in Daily Star.
The Senegalese forward only joined the Blues from Newcastle earlier this year, but already looks surplus to requirements in West London. Both Samuel Eto’o and Fernando Torres are ahead of him in Jose Mourinho’s pecking order, while another top class striker is expected to be signed by the club in the New Year.
Arsene Wenger sees Ba as the ideal man to support Oliver Giroud and keep Arsenal’s title hopes alive after Christmas.
The 28 year old was targeted by the Gunners over the summer, with a loan move almost materializing. However, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho rejected the deal after Arsenal signed Mesut Ozil, because he feared offloading Ba would make Arsenal too strong.
Demba Ba, who stands at 6 ft 2 in, is a real handful in the box not only from aerial chances but also in his ability to shake off defenders, powering through into dangerous positions and getting in front of his markers. He is more than just a target-man, his finishing when he’s riding high on confidence is both efficient and intelligent.
He scored 36 goals in 66 top tier appearances for Newcastle United and West Ham prior to his move to London but has fallen down the pecking order under Mourinho.
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The report states that he will reportedly cost £15 m which is a little high considering Chelsea bought him for half that in January this year, it should be sufficiently lower due to his lack of playing time.
The Gunners are desperate to strengthen their attack that relies heavily on Olivier Giroud with Denmark international Nicklas Bendtner currently Arsene Wenger’s only back-up option. A move for the 28 year old Senegal international would make a great deal of sense, he has wealth of Premier League experience under his belt and is a proven goal scorer.
If indeed Wenger wants to continue with Giroud and add a new striker just to provide backup then Ba will perfectly fit the bill but if the Frenchman wants to sign a game changing striker then the money would be better spent elsewhere.
Should we sign Demba Ba or go for somebody else? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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