Senegal international, Demba Ba joined the Blues only in January earlier this year but has failed to replicate his Newcastle form at Stamford Bridge. Under Rafael Benitez last season, the 28-year-old could manage just 2 league goals in 14 appearances, whereas in the six months preceding his move, he banged in 13 goals in just 20 appearances for Newcastle United.

Ba has fallen further down the pecking order at Chelsea this season under new manager Jose Mourinho, and has been unable to find the back of the net in five sporadic appearances in all competitions so far.

Ba’s plight is further highlighted by the fact that the two Chelsea strikers preferred ahead of him are misfiring as well, but the former West Ham man is still unable to get regular game time. In fact, all three Chelsea strikers combined have scored just two league goals, and were unable to find the back of the net in their loss to Newcastle United on Saturday.

With an exit from the Bridge all but certain in January, Metro is reporting that Spanish outfit Valencia are closing in on a £7 million move for the Blues outcast. The Spanish club, where David Villa and David Silva made their names, are keen on a new frontman as goals are at a premium now since Roberto Soldado left for Tottenham Hotspurs.

However, they might have to contend with the interest of Premier League side Arsenal, who failed in a last-ditch loan bid for Ba. The Gunners are still looking out for another striker to add strength in depth to their forward line, and manager Arsene Wenger could make yet another move for the Blues centre-forward.

However, Chelsea ideally do not want to sell/loan to a title rival and Valencia hope that their working relationship with the Blues would help in clinching a move for Ba. They already have Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu on a season-long loan deal and their agreement covers the London club having first option on several of their academy starlets.