“Fans come to see beautiful games with beautiful actions and not long balls from the goalkeeper to the striker.”

On the prickly issue of his future, Ba admitted the Gunners are “very attractive” but made it clear there had been no contact from North London.

The Journal understands the player would only leave for Champions League football, with the wage demands not the only consideration of his agents as they try to resolve his future.

Ba himself said the links were a case of people putting two and two together, especially because of the clause inserted in his contract, and refused to be drawn in any depth on his intentions in the New Year.

He added: “Journalists just do their job.

“They know Arsenal need strikers, they know a release clause is inserted in my contract, so they make speculations.

“I don’t really want to comment on that, because there hasn’t been any contact, clearly, but it is true Arsenal are a very attractive club.”

In another segment on the TV programme, Ba was pictured taking a delivery of gym equipment – which the interviewer said was not exactly the actions of someone who was about to move.

That drew an interesting response from the Senegal striker.

He said: “I’ll do what I have to do in Newcastle and if I have to leave I will move all this stuff out.

“For now, though, it’s not in my mind.”

Newcastle need no distractions this weekend, especially with a game against QPR on the horizon. Harry Redknapp’s team won their first game of the season on Saturday and have not lost since the former Spurs boss took over – but. even so, Ba reckons they should be beaten at St James’ Park.

Taking heart from Newcastle’s display against Manchester City, Ba said Newcastle could handle the pressure of the must-win game.

He added: “Next Saturday against QPR, if we make mistakes the fans will become more demanding.

“If we play like we did against City, we should win.

“Don’t forget it was the champions we played last Saturday.”