Senegalese international, Demba Ba has been on the radar of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger since his Newcastle United days. Wenger even tried to lure him back then, however the striker opted to move to their city rivals Chelsea instead. Things have not gone the way he would have hoped at Chelsea as he has fallen way down the pecking order.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has overlooked the 28-year old in his plans for the season and has instead decided to keep faith with the likes of Fernando Torres, Andre Schurrle and summer signing Samuel Eto’o. As a result, Ba has been left warming the benches more often than not at Stamford Bridge.

He had an opportunity to quit Chelsea in the summer as Arsenal made a late surge for his signature on Deadline Day. This happened just hours before the window slammed shut and after they had announced the signing of German international Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid. However, Mourinho interfered in the transfer at the last minute, fearing that a possible double addition of Ozil and Ba could really strengthen Chelsea’s rivals. As a result, no deal was struck and Ba stayed put.

Recent reports now suggest that Arsenal are preparing to go back and try luring Ba to the Emirates Stadium once again. A January bid is understood to be in the offing. Metro state that though Arsenal are flying high courtesy of the goals of striker Olivier Giroud, they understand that they are over reliant on the Frenchman, and that one possible injury to him could derail their season.

Thus, they plan to make preparatory measures in advance as they intend to chase Ba in January. The move could tempt Ba as he will have the chance of regularly linking up with the likes of midfielders Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere.

Do you see Ba force through a move in the next transfer window? Or will Mourinho once again stand in Ba’s way and try stopping this deal from happening?