Ben Arfa set to join Premier League side

Marseille ace Hatem Ben Arfa is closing in on a move to Premier League side Newcastle, according to the French club.

Marseille president Jean-Calude Dassier has confirmed that Ben Arfa, who has also been linked with a move to Werder Bremen, is set to join Newcastle.

“He will travel to Newcastle tomorrow,” said Dassier. “They have offered to raise the price for the option-to-buy if Hatem plays 25 matches and also pay the five per cent of the cost to Fifa.

“We will respond. After that it’s up to Hatem to agree a deal.

“We have to finish this story as soon as possible.”

[Source: Marseille’s official website]