Ba Reveals Arsenal Move That Almost Happened

Ba Reveals Arsenal Move That Almost Happened

Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba has revealed that he was close to sealing a move to Arsenal in the just finished summer transfer window, before eventually signing up with Turkish giants Besiktas, according to the Independent.

Arsenal are finally through to the group stages of the UEFA Champions League after a nervy encounter with Besiktas in the qualifying round that saw them win marginally on aggregate. A lone goal from new signing Alexis Sanchez was enough to see the side through to the next round, but all was not well by the end of the game. The Gunners have confirmed the injury sustained by Olivier Giroud is long term, leaving the club in a fix for the remaining period of the transfer window. With two days to go, Arsenal are in desperate need of attacking backup, and could be preparing a backup signing on a permanent or a loan deal.

Ba was brought into England by West Ham United from Hoffenheim, and the striker immediately settled into the atmosphere at Upton Park. After an impressive spell with the Hammers, Ba was looking to move clubs, and Stoke City came close to signing him before they had an issue with his medical examination which revealed a vulnerable knee. However, Newcastle United snapped him up, and Ba became a crucial part of the side at St. James Park. With his good form, Chelsea bought him, but could not offer first team football and let him move on to Turkey.