Newcastle United striker Demba Ba has hinted at a possible move to Arsenal during this January transfer window.
Demba Ba’s future at St James’ Park has been in doubt ever since the £7.5 million release clause in his contract was disclosed in public. Liverpool and Arsenal, both clubs in need of reinforcement upfront, have been linked with a move for the striker in January.
But the 27-year-old, it seems, is ‘tempted’ by a move to the North London. In a recent interview Demba Ba has stated Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in him.
Demba Ba was quoted in the Sun:
“It is true that Arsenal are among the clubs that are tempting.”
“Journalists are doing their job, they know Arsenal need strikers and they know I have a clause in my contract so they start speculating.”
Ba is right and Arsenal do need a striker, but according to recent reports Arsene Wenger is more interested in signing Dutch international Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. The Schalke 04 striker will perhaps come at a much cheaper transfer fee.
Although Ba’s release clause is on £7.5 million, which is a bargain deal for a striker of such reputation in England, there are lot of ‘add-ons’. The Senegalese international is expected to demand £80,000 a week salary. To add to that, Arsenal will also have to pay his agent a hefty sum of money. The deal, if it goes through, can reach a valuation of £30 million.
Moreover, there are also concerns about Demba Ba’s fitness. Two of his transfer negotiations in the past have broken down as he failed the medical – at VfB Stuttgart and Stoke City. Arsene Wenger will surely not want another addition to Arsenal’s perennial injury problems.
Olivier Giroud and Marouane Chamakh (although he is unlikely to remain at the club) are the only recognized strikers at Arsenal currently. But interestingly, Arsene Wenger fielded Theo Walcott in the role of a striker against Reading last night.
It is believed that Walcott has demanded to play in that role in order to sign a contract extension. It would be interesting to see how the English international reacts to any new striker that Wenger might sign in January.
Demba Ba departure though, is only a matter of time it seems. Newcastle have failed to match their performances from last season and with a host of clubs interested in signing the striker, he will assess his options during the winter transfer market.
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