Demba Ba
Demba Ba [Reuters] Reuters

Arsene Wenger's pursuit of signing a striker in January suffered a blow after Chelsea's Demba Ba rejected recent rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal.

The Senegalese international was set to join Arsenal on a season-long loan in the summer, only to be blocked by the Blues manager Jose Mourinho. The former Newcastle striker has failed to cement his place in Chelsea's starting lineup, making only four starts in all competitions this season.

The lack of playing time at Stamford Bridge has raised concern over Ba's future at the West London club. The Mirror reported that the 28-year-old could be on his way to the Emirates in January.

Ba has revealed there has been no approach from the north London club for his services. In The striker also admitted that he is still in the process of adapting after leaving Newcastle to join Chelsea earlier this year.

"People talk a lot about me joining Arsenal. But there has never been an approach from them.

There is nothing going on in this regard. Things are OK for me at the moment," Ba told the Sun.

"It's working, as the situation is turning around for me here bit by bit. You just need a bit of time to adapt when you change clubs. I've been in a process of adaptation while moving between West Ham, Newcastle and Chelsea.

"But as soon as I'm given the chance to prove myself, I take it. So the fact that I've often been on the substitutes' bench is nothing serious," the former Newcastle striker added.

Chelsea make a trip to the Emirates as the Europa League winners face Arsenal in the league fixture on Monday evening. Ba could be in contention for a place in the squad to face the north London club.

A win for the Gunners could see them move to the top of the table while a defeat will see the Blues climb to the second spot. Arsenal are third in the league table with 35 points and are level on points with second place Manchester City. Meanwhile, the Blues are fifth with 33 points from 16 games.