Arsenal Transfer Rumour: Gunners Enquire about Rivals' Striker

Arsenal have reportedly made an enquiry to Chelsea regarding the availability of striker Demba Ba on a season-long loan move.

The Gunners are in the market for a forward as back-up to Olivier Giroud, especially after the versatile Lukas Podolski was ruled out for 10 weeks with a hamstring injury last week. And, according to the Telegraph and Goal.com, the north London outfit have now made an approach for the Senegal international.

Ba, who joined Chelsea from Newcastle United in a £7m switch eight months ago, has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge under new manager Jose Mourinho and managed just one appearance in four matches for the Blues so far this season.

The 28-year-old is behind Fernando Torres and Romelu Lukaku in the pecking order and has not even featured in the match squad for the last two games. The arrival of Mourinho's former charge, Samuel Eto'o, from Anzhi Makhachkala last week, places Ba further down the preference order.

Chelsea could be willing to loan out Ba, as the Blues look to trim their wage bill for the season after making some big signings. The striker is also understood to be open to a move to Arsenal, as he will only face competition from Olivier Giroud for a spot in the starting line-up at the Emirates.

Roma have also been linked with a move for Ba. The Giallorossi have been searching for a proven forward, after selling striker Pablo Osvaldo to Southampton and winger Erik Lamela to Tottenham.

The report claims Newcastle explored the possibility of re-signing Ba but were put off when they were quoted a £3m loan fee. Also, the Magpies will no longer be able to match the player's wage demands as he earns around £80,000-a-week at Chelsea.

Ba has a prolific record in the Premier League, having scored 38 goals from 80 appearances with West Ham United, Newcastle and Chelsea, after arriving in England from Hoffenheim back in January 2011.