Monday, 14th January, 2013
Newcastle United attacking midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa has played down talk of moving to Paris Saint-Germain, insisting he would find it difficult to leave the Premier League having tasted English football.
Indeed, were Ben Arfa looking to exit St. James’ Park, it is Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool who would be firmly on his radar, as they would offer a continued stay in the English top flight.
For the 25-year-old, that is key.
"I am interested in Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool", he told French TV channel beINSport, via Maxifoot.
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"Once you’ve tasted the English league it is difficult to leave.
"It has everything to make you happy.
"Today, my aim is to stay in England."
Asked directly about PSG, Ben Arfa did admit to feeling a special affection for the capital club, echoing comments made recently about Carlo Ancelotti’s men being an attractive potential move.
"PSG? Why not. It is the club of my heart", said the former Marseille man.
Ben Arfa is currently sidelined through injury, though he is expected back in action early next month.
Newcastle need the former Marseille man firing on all cylinders as they look to move away from the Premier League relegation zone.
It remains to be seen if Ben Arfa will be on the move next summer, given a winter switch looks out of the question, but his stock is still high from a fine season with the Magpies last year, when he helped the club finish fifth against all expectations.
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