Jose Mourinho Reveals Why he Blocked Demba Ba's Move to Arsenal

Jose Mourinho claims he pulled the plug on Chelsea striker Demba Ba's season-long loan move to Arsenal on deadline day because he believes the signing of playmaker Mesut Ozil makes the Gunners title contenders.

The Germany international became the most expensive signing in Arsenal's history when he moved from Real Madrid to the Emirates for £42.4m late on Monday. The 24-year-old is currently regarded as the best advanced midfielder in world football and his capture is seen as massive coup for Arsene Wenger's side, with majority of the pundits labelling it as the best signing of the summer.

Mourinho, who signed Ozil for Madrid from Werder Bremen three years ago, hailed the player as the best no.10 in the world and had no reservations in admitting that the German's move to Arsenal convinced him to block Wenger's approach for Ba.

"Ozil is unique. There is no copy of him - not even a bad one. He is the best number 10 in the world. He makes things very easy for me and for his team-mates with his football vision and the decisions he makes," Mourinho said.

"Everyone loves him and sees a bit of Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane in him. We didn't accept Arsenal's offer for Demba Ba because the signing of Ozil makes them title contenders," the 50-year-old added.

After Chelsea rejected Arsenal's offer for Ba, Wenger stopped wantway striker Nicklas Bendtner from leaving the club exit on deadline day.

Meanwhile, Ozil has expressed his delight and excitement in joining Arsenal. The midfielder signed a five-year contract with the north London outfit and joins his Germany team-mates Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker in the Gunners' ranks.

"At Arsenal, I can feel that there is trust. I'm looking forward to being on the same team as Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker. I'm looking forward to the new challenge there. I've already heard that they have super fans, the city is great and the team is fantastic and I'm really looking forward to that," the player pointed out.