Juventus Want Newcastle United’s Hatem Ben Arfa
Newly crowned Serie A champions Juventus are tracking Newcastle United’s playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa ahead of a potential summer transfer raid, according to The Mirror.
Juventus, who have astonishingly gone the whole season without being beaten to clinch the Italian league title, are preparing for life in the Champions League and have been impressed by Ben Arfa’s performances this year, which has included two world class wonder goals from solo runs against Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers.
Inter Milan are also said to be tracking the midfielder, who has come back to enjoy a sensational second half to the season after overcoming a broken leg that kept him out of action for a whole year.
Newcastle bought Ben Arfa for £5.75 million from Marseille in January 2011, mid-way through a season long loan that was ended after just a handful of games. The 25-year-old took a while to get into the team consistently but the club’s current formation of 4-3-3 is almost based entirely around getting the ball to him down the right wing as their attacking outlet.
Newcastle would be unlikely to discuss a move away for the player for less than anything but £15 million and perhaps more if they qualify for the Champions League with that added financial boost that meant they didn’t need the money.
Ben Arfa is hoping for good news today with the announcement of the French Euro 2012 squad, hoping he has done enough at Newcastle to earn a place in boss Laurent Blanc’s plans.
Meanwhile Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici also have Robin Van Persie, Luis Suarez and Carlos Tevez in his sights, should any of those decide their time is up in the Premier League. He has also watched several matches involving Chelsea, believed to be watching Salomon Kalou, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic.