Nice forward Hatem Ben Arfa has moved a step closer to a surprise move to Barcelona following advanced talks between the clubs at the weekend, reports L’Equipe, via Get French Football.
Ben Arfa has enjoyed his finest season to date with Nice in Ligue 1 but a move to Barcelona would really cap a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the France international.
The 29-year-old was cast to the reserves during his final few years at Newcastle before failing to make any impact in the Championship with Hull 18 months ago.
The France international has revitalised his career with Nice and has been one of the stars of the season. He is out of contract at the end of the season and Barcelona are now in pole position to sign the tricky forward as they look to bolster their offensive options ahead of the new season.
Barcelona are keen to sign a fourth striker to help ease the burden on Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi next season and that has seen them linked with the likes of Sevilla frontman Kevin Gameiro. Ben Arfa, however, would represent a far cheaper option.
Ben Arfa has played a direct hand in 22 goals for Nice in Ligue 1 this season (17 goals + five assists) in 32 appearances and has also completed more dribbles than any other player in the French top-flight (137).
For more stats on Hatem Ben Arfa, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
