Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba who now plays for Turkish side Basiktas confirmed, again, that he was keen on joining Arsenal last season.
Gunners made a move for the powerful striker in January, they were in lookout for someone of his kind to complement their squad but rival team Chelsea were unwilling to part away with Ba.
In July he eventually made an 8 million euro move to Besiktas, who were recently eliminated out of the Champions League by Arsenal.
The 29-year-old left Chelsea after Mourinho relegated him to fourth striker following the arrival of Diego Costa.
After Arsenal and Besiktas Champions League play-off, Demba Ba said “I’m happy at Basiktas.”
“Everybody knew that I wanted to come here [to Arsenal]. I could have maybe waited longer in this transfer window but I wanted to go and play for Besiktas because it’s a great club.”
Claiming Blues would have allowed his transfer to Arsenal this summer he said “yes, [he would have let me join Arsenal], because this time Jose told me.”
“Last summer he wanted to keep me, but he said this time, if I had any opportunity, he would let me go,” Ba explained.
Considering Arsenal’s first choice striker, Olivier Giroud, has obtained an injury that will put him out of play until next season, Demba Ba would have been a good option up front, pairing with Alexis Sanchez. He is motile and could complement Giroud.