By Sami Mokbel
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Arsenal were left fuming on transfer deadline night after Chelsea made a late U-turn on Demba Ba's proposed move across London.
Arsene Wenger thought a deal to sign the Senegal striker on a season-long loan deal was in place on Monday night after hours of negotiations between the clubs.
But the Stamford Bridge pulled the plug on the deal saw the deal, leaving Arsenal irate.
Denied: Demba Ba (right) was all set to move across London to join Arsenal on a loan deal
Frustrating: Arsene Wenger was sure a deal was in place to bring Ba in as cover up-front
After initially agreeing to the deal, Emirates chiefs were baffled by Chelsea's late decision to veto Ba's move because they did not want to strengthen a direct rival.
It is understood Ba's move across London was so far advanced that Arsenal had arranged the former Newcastle forward's medical.
Wenger was desperate to sign a centre-forward on Monday, knowing Olivier Giroud is currently his only fit recognised striker.
And Chelsea's decision to end the deal meant Arsenal had no time to pursue alternatives, leaving Wenger worryingly short of attacking options.
Worry: Olivier Giroud is in fine form, but is the only recognised striker currently fit at the club
Options: Theo Walcott (left) and Lukas Podolski (right) offer alternatives, though the latter is currently injured
Should Giroud pick up an injury, Wenger is likely to turn to Walcott to fill the role of lone centre-forward.
If fit, Lukas Podolski would also be a contender to replace Giroud, but is now feared the 28-year-old could miss the rest of the year.
It was hoped Podolski would make a return from a hamstring tear in November but Dr Hans-Muller Wohlfahrt, who conducted Mesut Ozil's medical ahead of his 43million move to Arsenal on Monday, says he could miss three months after conducting his own examination.
Podolski told German daily Bild: 'Unfortunately I'll be out a long while, around three months.'
Guess who's back: Returning Dane Nicklas Bendtner has vowed to give his all for the club
Meanwhile, striker Nicklas Bendtner, denied a transfer window move because of Arsenal's failure to buy a forward, last night issued a statement pledging his commitment to the club.
The Dane said: 'The truth is I just want to play football which is when I'm happiest and Arsenal is a fantastic environment for any professional to apply their trade.
'I want to assure all Arsenal fans that I will give everything I have to contribute to what I believe will be a successful season for the club.'
Look beyond the surface guys!!! Common! Ozil ,Messi or even CR7 wouldn't get us trophies without formidable centerbacks and DMFs. Been a Gunner since 96. I love this club and would always support Arsenal. However Wenger needs help. Why wait till the last 10hours to get Demba Ba? Would it have hurt to make a bid 10days ago? As soon as Eto'o arrived even a 4year old could tell Demba was available. Why does Wenger keep making the same mistakes over and over again? And oh how much did he spend afterall? We had 70mill plus 11mill from sales. Spent 42.5mill. Where's the rest?
- Mega , SZ, China, 04/9/2013 06:50
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