Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to activate Demba Ba's release clause in order to lure the striker away from Newcastle in the January transfer window.

Yesterday it was revealed that Ba had turned down the offer of a new contract as Newcastle desperately try to negotiate a deal in which he no longer has a buy-out clause that would attract interest from other Premier League clubs.

Demba Ba
Demba Ba is still available for as little as £7.5million in the January transfer window. [Reuters]

The Sun has reported that Arsenal are willing to make an offer of £7.5million which would automatically trigger the release clause and Ba would be free to negotiate a deal with the Gunners.

Wenger was furious with his players after the 2-0 home defeat to Swansea at the weekend, and was said to have been particularly displeased with the performance of Gervinho, who was given a rare start ahead of Olivier Giroud.

The French striker has impressed in recent weeks but was given a rest ahead of the midweek game against Olympiakos in the Champions League. Gervinho came in for Giroud and his poor display further highlighted the lack of depth Wenger has in attack.

It seems as though Wenger believes Ba could be the answer to his problems as the Senegal international has continually proved his ability in front of goal since joining Newcastle on a free transfer in the summer of 2011.

Ba scored 16 Premier League goals last season and has started this campaign in sensational form as he has netted 10 times in just 15 appearances in the league.

The 27-year-old bagged a brace in the 3-0 win over Wigan last night to further highlight his ability and prove why Newcastle have been so desperate to sign him to a new deal.

However, the Sun believes that Arsenal will offer the forward a basic wage of £60,000-a-week as they hope to make it impossible for him to turn down their advances.

Ba still has over one year left on his current deal and has never publically stated that he wants to leave Arsenal but the chance to join a team in the Champions League could be too good to turn down.