Will the Ben Arfa saga end today?
Posted on August 18th, 2010 | 247 Comments |
The whole episode has been a mess from start to finish and I, along with many others, would just like to see it settled one way or the other.
Rumours are rife at the moment as a whole host of potential suitors begin to creep out of the woodwork, according to the press anyway. Newcastle still have a chance of signing of him, although nothing will be definate until we see it with our own eyes on the official website. Who knows, there could yet be some twists and turns left yet!
Few can deny that this Newcastle side are screaming out for the talents of Ben Arfa. He would add that bit of creativity and pace that we are currently lacking and will become a crowd favourite if he shows glimpses of his potential.
For once, I can’t see much that Newcastle have done wrong in the way they have handled this deal. Remember, the deal was agreed and Marseille backed out of it. They are only trying to do what is best for their club and get the best deal they can, which is understandable but also incredibly frustrating for us.
The Marseille president has said the situation will be resolved within 48 hours, which makes either today or tomorrow the most likely time for a decision. From the bits and bobs printed in the French press, it would seem Ben Arfa would prefer to come to Newcastle over anything else that he has currently been offered, although I dare say a hefty payday somewhere else may change his mind.
All we can do is hope that he is allowed to join us, and hope he was genuine when he said he wanted to join us. This saga needs to end, and it looks like it will end soon.
Latest rumours suggest that Werder Bremen have now joined the race for the player, but their coach has denied any interest. Hopefully he is telling the truth and not trying to be coy like Hughton usually is about transfer dealings.
More to come, although hopefully for the last time!
Hopefully the hope does not ring false. Either way, I’ll be glad when it’s over.