Hatem Ben Arfa’s Future Uncertain as Newcastle Pushes Midfielder Out
BBC Sport – Transfer News
Hatem Ben Arfa remains unsure about his next club amid mounting tensions at Newcastle United. Despite interest from his former side Olympique Lyonnais and Italian giants AC Milan, the French midfielder could still stay in England—although the Magpies appear keen to move him on.
Alan Pardew recently hinted that Ben Arfa might be reintegrated into Newcastle’s first team, but reports from the Daily Mirror suggest otherwise. Newcastle have decided to strip Ben Arfa of his iconic number 10 shirt, handing it instead to new signing Siem De Jong. The Frenchman is expected to revert to the number 26 jersey—a move unlikely to sit well with the player and a clear indication that his exit is imminent.
The situation has been tense since Ben Arfa returned from holiday, when the club fined him for alleged weight gain—an accusation the player has disputed. This dispute appears to have deepened the rift between the club and the midfielder, further clouding his future at St James’ Park.
As interest from Lyon and AC Milan continues, Ben Arfa’s next destination remains a subject of speculation, with fans eagerly awaiting clarity on the talented playmaker’s next career move.
