• Premier League

Wenger rules out Ba bid

ESPN staff
December 28, 2012
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Arsene Wenger has ruled out a January bid for Newcastle striker Demba Ba ahead of Arsenal's clash against the Magpies on Saturday.

Ba's future remains the subject of conjecture with the striker's £7.5 million release clause in his contract prompting speculation that he could leave St James' Park in the transfer window.

Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with the Senegal international, who described the Gunners as "a club that makes you dream". While Wenger did not hide his admiration for the player, he stopped short of talking about a possible transfer.

"I like Demba Ba, yes," Wenger said. "I don't think this is the right place to speak about that, because he plays against us tomorrow.

"I wouldn't like to put Newcastle or us or him in an uncomfortable position. If you ask me 'Do we sign Demba Ba?' I say no."

While Wenger believes Ba is one of the best strikers in the Premier League, he believes his partnership with international teammate Papiss Cisse plays some part in his success.

"Cisse is a typical goal-getter and Demba Ba has great power," he said. "You feel there is a good understanding there as well.

"They both come from Senegal and play together in the national team so there's a good friendship as well, that makes them stronger."

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