Demba Ba: Jose Mourinho refused to let me go to Arsenal last summer

Demba Ba could have joined Arsenal on loan last summer.

Chelsea striker Demba Ba has revealed how manager Jose Mourinho refused to let the Senegalese forward leave the club for their rivals last summer. The former Newcastle man has struggled for games at Chelsea since his move from Tyneside and Arsene Wenger’s men came in for the striker last August. He has been linked with Everton in recent weeks, but he is set to stay at Chelsea according to the striker.

However, despite seeming set to move to north London, Ba stayed at Chelsea and the deal fell through. The forward has now revealed that it was manager Jose Mourinho who refused to assist their fellow rivals by letting Ba go across the capital. Ba now admits that Mourinho has told him he wants to keep him at the Bridge, despite coming so close to leaving 12 months ago.

He told reporters: Jose Mourinho has asked me to stay at Chelsea next season. He assured me that my situation wouldn’t change.

“I see this as my reward from God. I weighed up the pros and cons, and think that I will stay put to see what happens.

“I don’t know whether my situation will improve, but what with the coach’s offer anything can happen.

“I want to play a lot of matches and I think that will be the case for me.

“I was approached by Arsenal last August. But Mourinho refused to let me join them, as he said he didn’t want to help a rival team to get stronger.”