Arsenal Transfer News: Hatem Ben Arfa Welcomes Interest
Hatem Ben Arfa is believed to have welcomed interest from Arsenal after The Gunners expressed a desire in signing the Newcastle winger.
Chelsea were reported as having interest in Newcastle's skillful 25-year-old playmaker after his impressive form in the second half of last season but it is the French connection at Arsenal that could prove to be the tipping point for Ben Arfa when deciding his future, according to The Mirror. Arsene Wenger has already secured the summer signing of Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud who is currently away on Euro 2012 duty with Ben Arfa for France. Ben Arfa also believes he would more likely become a first team regular at Arsenal and fears the squad rotation at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have already signed wide attacking players in Eden Hazard and Mark Marin with Florent Malouda already at the club and Roberto Di Matteo also interested in bringing in Porto's Hulk this season. Ben Arfa made 32 appearances for The Magpies last season and his six goals and attacking threat in the second half of the season elevated Newcastle into a Europa League spot and an unlikely Champions League challenge for fourth spot that they just missed out on.