13 May 2016

Anfield Update: After Liverpool offer, 'Incredible' £40k-a-week star confirms he wants transfer to a 'big' team

Liverpool are currently linked with a summer move for ex-Newcastle star Hatem Ben Arfa^, and it appears that the rejuvenated attacker wants a transfer this summer.

In April, RMC Sport claimed:

"Liverpool and AC Milan have already sent offers [for Ben Arfa]. The Reds have also sent scouts several times to Nice to watch him".

When asked this week about his future, Ben Arfa told Eurosport:

"I feel totally ready to play for a big European team. I’m ready for the challenge, big or not. I’m just focused on the end of the season. After that we’ll see.”

Liverpool were also linked with Ben Arfa back in 2013, and at the time, he told reporters:

"I am interested in Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. Today, these clubs are above Newcastle. My goal is to stay in England"

Some info about Ben Arfa:

* Right winger, who can also play as a central attacking midfielder. Current contract expires: 2016

* Newcastle: 14 goals/17 assists in 86 games (One every 164 mins)

* Nice: 18 goals/5 assists in 36 games (One every 130mins).

* Feb 2013: Jan Molby's assessment: "Hatem Ben Arfa is one of those players you look at and think to yourself: 'I'd love to get my hands on him".

* Feb 2016: Laurent Blanc's enthused: "He [Ben Arfa] is a footballer that I like. We're obliged to like him because he does some incredible things. And whoever likes football is of course obliged to like that".

At Newcastle, Ben Arfa was constantly injured, and spent over 300 days on the sidelines (52 games missed). However, he hasn't been injured since 2014, and is enjoying a sustained period of full fitness at Nice.

That said, all of Ben Arfa's injuries have come in the Premier League, which suggests that he's not suited to English football. France is much less physical than England, and I doubt Ben Arfa will be able retain his fitness in a Jurgen Klopp team.

A viable option for Liverpool?


^ Reportedly on £40k-a-week at Nice

Author: Jaimie K


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