Newcastle striker Demba Ba relishes Arsenal's interest

Demba Ba admits he is interested in a move to Arsenal next month.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was aware of the Newcastle striker’s £7.5million buy-out clause. And Ba, 27, said: “It is true that Arsenal are among the clubs that are tempting.”

Senegal forward Ba, who has scored 11 times this season, says he was aware of Arsenal's interest.

He added: “Journalists are doing their job, they know Arsenal need strikers and they know I have a clause in my contract so they start speculating.”

Struggling Newcastle are two points above the drop zone after six defeats in their last seven games — the latest being a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.

And this Saturday they host second-bottom QPR.

Ba added: “It bothers me a bit when the team doesn’t create much, because football is about beautiful play.

“People come to the stadium to watch good football and not to watch long balls from the goalie to the striker.

“Next Saturday is QPR, and at the slightest mistake the crowd will become very demanding.

“If we repeat the same performance we put in last weekend I think it will be enough. You shouldn’t forget that we played the reigning champions.”