Arsenal transfers: Papiss Cissé urges Newcastle to keep Demba Ba
Arsenal transfers: Newcastle United striker Papiss Cissé urges the Magpies to keep his compatriot Demba Ba at the club
Papiss Cissé has urged Newcastle United not to cash in on Demba Ba amid mounting talk of the Senegal striker completing a switch to Arsenal in the January transfer window.
Alan Pardew has hinted that he could be forced to sell Ba as a result of the £7.5m release clause in the forward’s contract which becomes active next month.
But Cissé wants Ba, who has scored 11 Premier League goals this term, to stay at St James’ Park and admits it would be a big blow to lose the former West Ham United forward.
“I adapted well to playing with Demba Ba when I signed last season and he is a vital player for Newcastle,” Cissé told the Sun.
“I hear the decisions from the directors at the club but, personally, I don’t think this is good news for us.”
Cissé has struggled to make an impact at Newcastle this term, with Pardew shifting the striker out to a right-wing position in favour of starting Ba in a central striking role.
The Senegal international, who joined in a £7m deal from Freiburg in January, admitted he would prefer to play as a centre forward but is willing to adapt for the sake of the team.
“I am a Newcastle player and accept the orders of the coach. I am more of a forward but if my work helps it is normal to play in any position I am asked,” he added.
“Any goal at Old Trafford is good but I would have preferred to win the match and not score. We deserved more and are not happy.
“I certainly remember all last season’s goals and I am looking to obtain a similar number. This is my objective — but it’s not easy. I have never demanded an explanation from Alan Pardew.
“I have generated controversies with coaches during my career but Pardew has spoken with me and told me how much confidence he has in my work.
“This season Newcastle are not creating so many goals. But the squad can fight for a much better position in the table.
“Our challenge is still to fight for a European place as opposed to fighting to avoid relegation.
“I am content here in the Premier League. I always dreamed of this experience.” 
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Read more on: Alan Pardew, Arsenal, demba ba, Football transfers, Newcastle United, Papiss Cissé, Premier League.
