Transfer news: Demba Ba reveals he was ready to switch to Arsenal on deadline day

The Senegal striker looked destined to move to the Emirates on loan

Demba Ba and Jose Mourinho (GETTY IMAGES)

Demba Ba has admitted he was ready to move to Arsenal but is now fully committed to Chelsea.

The Senegal striker joined the Blues in January as another strike option alongside Fernando Torres, but believes he has not played as well as he did while at Newcastle and West Ham.

The 28-year-old could make his Champions League debut when Chelsea play Basle in Group E on Wednesday night after vowing to fight for his place under Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho preferred to allow Romelu Lukaku to move on loan, for a second season, to Everton than to send Ba to the Emirates Stadium on transfer deadline day, having added a fourth striker in Samuel Eto'o to his playing pool.

"I was ready to go and to play there (at Arsenal), but it didn't happen," Ba said.

"I think I'm a good professional, and I've always worked hard to deserve what I have. Until today I will keep doing the same.

"I told him (Mourinho) if I stay I will keep fighting for the club and for the side. That's it.

"Now what matters is the next months, the next years with Chelsea and that's it."

Ba's reason for having his head turned by the Gunners was the opportunity to play.

However, he knows his performances will determine whether he is selected by Mourinho.

"I wanted to play and I want to play," Ba added.

"It all depends on me and it depends on the performance I'm going to put on the pitch.

"If I play good, I think I will deserve to play and the manager will put me on the pitch, because that's how he is.

"If I don't perform it will be only my fault."