Andrew Musgrove has expressed his hope for former Newcastle United star Hatem Ben Arfa to convince Sven Botman to join the Premier League outfit.
Newcastle were halted by Lille during the January transfer window when they attempted to sign Botman as they looked to shore up a defence that has kept just two clean sheets all season.
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Since the Dutchman’s failed move to Tyneside, he’s netted twice for Lille, with his latest one coming in an eventual 5-1 defeat at the hands of PSG. However, this goal held a greater significance as former Toon fan-favourite Ben Arfa assisted the centre-back.
Ben Arfa was a player who pulled off some outrageous pieces of skill and goals during his time on Tyneside, including memorable strikes against Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Everton, but since leaving has become a bit of a journeyman, turning out for six new clubs.
He’s now found a home at the current Ligue 1 champions playing with Newcastle target Botman, with journalist Musgrove hoping the attacker could convince the Dutchman to join Newcastle and ‘put a good word in’ for his former side.
TIF Thoughts on Sven Botman…
The Dutch centre-back has recently spoken publicly to Ziggo Sports (via Fabrizio Romano) about his failed move to Newcastle, claiming that it would have been nice to be part of the project on Tyneside, hinting that a move could well be on in the summer if the Magpies stay in the Premier League.
If Botman is unsure about potentially moving to Newcastle, where the weather isn’t the best all year round and far away from the bright lights of London, then Musgrove’s suggestion of Ben Arfa talking to him about the move could be that little extra push needed to convince him fully.
Given how highly rated he was on Tyneside and that he clearly enjoyed playing in front of the Geordies, Ben Arfa could easily put in a good word for Newcastle.
He claimed in one interview that it was the fans who pushed him on to score goals and take players on, so if he can get across how that makes a player feel to Botman, then the Magpies could yet have a new centre-back over the summer.
In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops hugely exciting Newcastle claim