Jose Mourinho has revealed that he blocked Demba Ba’s proposed move to Arsenal after the Gunners completed the signing of Germany international Mezut Ozil, the Metro understands.

The Blues boss believes that by signing the midfielder, who he worked with for three years at the Bernabeu, the North London club have emerged as title contenders.

Arsene Wenger’s inability to complete a deal for Ba leaves him with desperately short of out and out strikers, with Olivier Giroud and unproven France U20 striker Yaya Sanogo his only real options in that position.

Elsewhere, Everton’s Kevin Mirallas has revealed that he helped persuade international teammate Romelu Lukaku to move to Goodison Park for the rest of this season, according to the Metro.

The Belgium forward’s move on deadline was one of the surprise deals of the summer, with it expected that he would be integrated into the Blues starting eleven this term following an impressive spell at West Bromwich Albion.

The Belgium squad are currently together ahead of Friday evening’s World Cup Qualifier against Scotland, giving Mirallas the opportunity to convince the striker to once again leave Stamford Bridge on loan.

Finally, reports in Spain have suggested that Valencia failed in a bid to re-sign Juan Mata.

The two-time Chelsea player of the year was linked with a move away from the club this summer, but has remained as part of Jose Mourinho’s squad.