Barcelona’s attack force is set to become stronger if reports are true. Former Newcastle striker Hatem Ben Arfa is on the Catalan’s transfer shortlist for next season as part of their coaches’ backup plan to their star attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar.
According to French outlet L’Equipe, the tricky Frenchman is one of three targets which include Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette and Kevin Gamiero of Sevilla. Luis Enrique has been short on options when it comes to replacing either one of the three players and wants proper back up to his star men.
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Ben Arfa’s career has seen several ups and downs. The player was picked up by Newcastle from Marseille and spent three and a half seasons there. Unfortunately, the winger’s time at the Toon was hampered by injury problems.
Over the course of those four years, he made 72 appearances and only scored 12 goals. He had several disappointing performances but produced the occasional flash of brilliance when he really showed the potential he had.
In January 2015, he moved back to France after Nice signed him for a certain fee. The player at that point of time said that even if Madrid had come calling he would have chosen Nice over them because he felt the people there made him feel comfortable.
Ben Arfa seems to have re-discovered his form this season. The player is 29 years of age and is attempting to make up the time he lost on the sidelines. He has scored 17 goals so far this season and reports suggest he will look to leave, come the end of the campaign
The player can be signed for free by the Spanish giants since his contract runs out by the end of June. There is a good possibility the player will look to move as well especially with the prospect of playing Champions League football next season.
The only thing that might prove to be a stumbling block is the amount of game time the forward will receive, knowing he will be a second string player next season and will only feature regularly if one of their three kings gets injured.
The club’s representatives have apparently met with the player and initial talks have reportedly gone well. La Liga well certainly be a step up for the French International but going by his recent performances he might turn out to be a very shrewd acquisition by Enrique if he decides to sign him.
