Chelsea joins Arsenal in pursuit of this prolific striker.

Reigning European Champions Chelsea have joined their London rivals Arsenal in the race to sign want away Newcastle United hit-man, Demba Ba.

The Senegal international who has netted 13 goals in the Premier League so far has been heavily linked with a move away from St. James Park due to clause in his contract which if activated could see him leave the Magpies for a paltry £7.5m.

As the DAILY MIRROR reports,  Chelsea are prepared to activate the buy-out clause in Ba’s contract to make him their first signing of the January window.

They have moved for Ba because £48m-rated Colombian target Radamel Falcao says is staying at Atletico Madrid at least until the summer.

The Blues see Ba as support for Fernando Torres and feel the Senegalese striker, who has scored 13 goals in 20 league appearances, represents great value.

Ba will cost £4.5million less than the £12million they are receiving from Liverpool for Daniel Sturridge and they will offer Ba £70,000-a-week.

Chelsea interim boss Rafa Benitez was tight-lipped on Ba last night, saying: “We do not talk about our business in public.

The 27-year old has also been heavily linked with a move to North London club Arsenal although Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger remained coy over such reports when he played against them where he scored twice as the Magpies lost  7-3 at the Emirates.