FORMER Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain star Hatem Ben Arfa is close to joining Galatasaray.
The 32-year-old has been a free agent since the summer after leaving French side Rennes.
Hatem Ben Arfa led Rennes to French Cup triumph last season before deciding to leaveCredit: EPA
He led the club to an unlikely French Cup triumph last season.
But according to Goal, the winger is set to agree an 18-month deal to join the Turkish giants.
Last month Ben Arfa was linked with a move back to Ligue 1 with Nice and Nates believed to be interested.
Despite his age, Ben Arfa is still seen as hot property in France having scored nine goals and assisted six last season.
FRENCH CUP WINNER
The spell at Rennes proved why he has become something of a comeback kid as it came after a year on the sidelines at Paris Saint-Germain.
Former team Nice admitted to RMC their interest in him signing once more after a highly impressive season on the south coast in 2015/16 – again after seemingly falling off the game’s radar.
However not everyone inside the club, managed by former Arsenal hero Patrick Vieira, were certain he was the right fit.
That is not the case at Nantes where L’Equipe reported of clear intent to sign Ben Arfa.
But talks to join Les Canaris have gone decidedly quiet.
Despite helping Rennes lift their first major trophy in over 35 years in May, he left due to disagreements with their style of football.
He stated before leaving: “I am oriented by the game. I do not take pleasure and we need to be guided by this. What we are offering is limited, so it guides my choice.
Hatem Ben Arfa’s PSG contract included enormous ‘ethics premium’ providing he didn’t slag off club or turn up late
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
