Cape Town - Demba Ba revealed just how close he came to linking up with the Gunners but revealed he has no regrets about his decision.
The striker was speaking after the Besiktas clash against Arsenal and spoke openly about the interest from Arsenal according to the Independant.
Afterwards, Ba was asked whether he had made the right decision to move to Turkey and, with Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud now out until next year, did he regret not joining Arsène Wenger’s side.
“I’m happy at Besiktas,” said Ba.
“How close did I come to joining Arsenal? As close as you and me here, but it’s past. I just look forwards.
“Everybody knew that I wanted to come here [to Arsenal].
"I could have maybe waited longer in this transfer window, but I wanted to go and play for Besiktas because it’s a great club.” added Ba.
Ba revealed that Chelsea would have let him make the switch to English Premiership rival Arsenal. He said: “Yes, because this time Jose [Mourinho] told me. Last summer he wanted to keep me, but he said this time if I had any opportunity he would let me go.”