Barcelona could be set to complete the remarkable signing of former Newcastle United playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa in the summer according to Nice’s president.
The 29-year-old France international has been in outstanding form for the Ligue 1 club this season and his performances appear to have caught the attention of the La Liga giants.
Ben Arfa has reportedly already held talks with the Blaugrana and while he will be extremely difficult to replace, Nice’s president Jean-Pierre Rivere, insisted he would be delighted for his player if he completed the move to Camp Nou.
“I would be very happy for him and for Nice if this move comes off,” he told France 3. “You do not reject Barcelona, but it is up to him to decide.
“If I was a player and Barcelona was offered to me, I would not ask questions, I would go. But it is not yet done, according to what I am told.”
If Ben Arfa did link up with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar, and co, it would cap an incredible 12 months for the talented forward after he was discarded by relegation-threatened Newcastle at the end of last season.
The no.9 star has bounced back impressively from that setback, scoring 17 goals and providing five assists in 32 Ligue 1 appearances.
Only PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic (34) and Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette (18) have scored more goals in the French top-flight than Ber Arfa which highlights how well he has performed.
Regardless of whether a move to Barcelona comes to fruition or not, Ben Arfa will no doubt have no shortage of suitors in the summer and it will be interesting to see where he will be playing his football next season.
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