After reports yesterday that Newcastle could be trying to use very obviously unwanted midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa as a make-weight in a move to sign Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette, there has been further confirmation that the Frenchman is interested in a move to the North East. And why wouldn't he be? Alan Pardew has established a petite France in the club, and while that might attract comical jibes from elsewhere in the country - including a far from hilarious "dig" by Jimmy Kebe on Twitter - signing a significant number of players from any country and establishing a culture away from home is key to stability for those players. That is why Liverpool brought Spaniards under Rafa Benitez, why Arsenal went French in the past (and are now apparently shopping German) and why Chelsea are now full of Brazilians. That culture, as well as Newcastle's impressive business in the summer so far - bringing in no fewer than 9 signings altogether, including the Forest pair loaned back - could be among the reasons the Lyon man would welcome a move, but for now, Newcastle fans and the club should be happy to learn that counter to some reports, he is interested. The latest confirmation of the fact comes from North East journalist Mark Douglas: https://twitter.com/MsiDouglas/status/496950203573092352 The Magpies have apparently been chasing the 23-year-old striker all summer, but have failed to come to any resolution with Lyon, and some reports suggested that Lacazette preferred Champions League football to joining the second stage of the revolution at St. James' Park. That has encouraged Newcastle, and the latest on the protracted deal is that Lyon would be offered Ben Arfa - who started his career there - on loan, with Newcastle still paying some of his £50,000 a week wages. That deal would also involve £15m for the striker who scored 23 times last season, and would be a welcome addition to a young front-line (excluding now-veteran Papiss Cisse), though of course a lot would depend on the feelings of Ben Arfa, who has already turned out opportunities to leave the club. But in that regard there is good news from his agent who spoke to French website Foot Mercato.
It is an idea which is the subject of discussion with Hatem (about the possibility of moving back to France). We have talked about Lyon and their super project. Contrary to what people believe, Lyon is not a club in demise but a project which is in line with that of Arsenal. Hatem has told me that it is the club of his heart because he has a great relationship with Bernard Lacombe and an enormous amount of respect for President Aulas. Who doesnt dream about coming back to the club where it all began. It is a bit like a child going back home. With the great stadium project, there is something positive that can be done there. The group is young and Hatem is a competitor, enormously so. Hatem is still young, but he has an enormous amount of experience at the highest level. Technically, he is like Yoann Gourcuff. It is an interesting idea, but after that there is of course economic problems because, at the moment and one must not forget, he is owned by Newcastle.
Ben Arfa would not be a popular departure with a good deal of Newcastle fans, who have sung his fan at consecutive friendlies in the past week, though there is a portion of the fanbase who would welcome a solution to the protracted saga that has threatened to derail preparations for the coming season. Do you think a swap deal involving Ben Arfa would be a good idea to bring Lacazette in? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.
