After an impressive season in Ligue 1 in which he salvaged a career that appeared on the brink of collapse, Hatem Ben Arfa has emerged as a target for two of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The Frenchman, once an exciting figure in the Premier League, left England after two awful stints with Newcastle and Hull City for a return to his home nation, having scored 17 goals and assisted 5 in a wonderful campaign with Nice.
However, with his contract set to expire at the end of June, the 29-year-old is reportedly being targeting by Spanish giants Barcelona, with L’Equipe writing that the Blaugrana are in advanced talks with Ben Arfa.
According to the report, manager Luis Enrique is keen on signing back-up to the club’s deadly MSN – Messi, Suarez, and Neymar – attacking trio, as a recent dip in form from the South America attackers nearly jeopardized the Catalan giants’ title hopes.
Barca have reportedly been watching Ben Arfa for several months, but they are also interested in Kevin Gameiro of Sevilla and Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon as fallback options to the strikers already at their disposal.
However, British news outlet The Times have added a twist to the reports claiming Ben Arfa may head to Camp Nou for the upcoming season, writing that Premier League giants Chelsea have added the Frenchman to their list of summer transfer targets.
Incoming boss Antonio Conte looks to rebuild the Blues, but only sees Ben Arfa (like Enrique) as a back-up option, with Diego Costa the only striker at Stamford Bridge scoring goals.
Nonetheless, fans of both clubs – Chelsea and Barca – were not too keen on the links with Hatem, as several supporters took to Twitter to express their surprise and displeasure.
I would rather have Deulofeu back instead of Ben Arfa. https://t.co/JgNwnj8A1A
— Zubair (@ZUBA1R) May 6, 2016
I liked Ben Arfa at Newcastle but do we really want another wide player who decides to put on tonnes of weight when he can't be bothered
— Jamie (@JCollettCFC) May 6, 2016
The likes of Musonda, Boga all better players than Dembele, Ben Arfa. Why waste so much money when you have better guys available for free?
— Chelsea HQ (@Chelsea_HQ) May 6, 2016
dont understand this Ben Arfa being linked with us, he has a questionable attitude and he's similar type of player to Afellay who we sold
— Maria Khan (@LuckyMariakh) May 6, 2016
Ben Arfa linked with Barcelona a year after being released by Newcastle. What a sport football is.
— Antti (@afcantti) May 6, 2016
If Hatem Ben Arfa does end up signing for Barcelona ("very probably", says L'Equipe today), what a story that is - and all credit to him
— Andy Brassell (@andybrassell) May 6, 2016
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