http://www.lamarseillaise.fr/om/ben-arfa-vers-newcastle.html
Ben Arfa To Newcastle
The International should finally be heading to the north of England, assuming there's no last minute reversal
After slamming doors, mistaken identities and various leaks, the Hatem Ben Arfa drama - or rather the vaudeville - is poised for its epilogue. Yes, the player will leave. Yes, he will go to England. Newcastle, who had made a first offer considered inadequate by OM, returned to the forefront. The Magpies have increased their offer, an increase sufficient enough for Dassier to give his approval. It will be a loan with an option to purchase (the purchase price being judged acceptable by the Directors of OM). New castle will also assume responsibility for the the player's full salary. "For us, it's a good compromise" said the club President. With the two clubs having reached an agreement, all that remained yesterday eveing was for discussions to open with the player himself. Dassier said "It's time to bring this to an end, now, and Hatem should make up his mind, and quickly"
Ben Arfa was willing to move to Tyneside two weeks ago, it remains to be seen whether this is still the case.
Meanwhile, he has received two other proposals, from Bremen and Liverpool. A move to Merseyside depends on the departure of Mascherano, and the move to Werder could be effected by CL qualification. Liverpool have not yet sold the Argentinian, whereas Bremen have qualified. "They now have a guaranteed income [CL money], so they could maybe outbid the others" added Dassier.
Newcastle have pole position. Everything should be settled by the end of today.
