Source: Telegraph
Newcastle United sign Hatem Ben Arfa on loan from Marseille
The 23-year-old signed on the dotted line after weeks on negotiations between the two clubs to become Hughton's fifth summer capture with a view to making the transfer permanent. [LNB]Ben Arfa is a product of the famous academy at Clairefontaine and has eight senior caps for his country. [LNB] Related ArticlesNewcastle place Steven Taylor on transfer listStoke to discipline BegovicDavids's debut can't prevent Palace lossPulis reads riot act to BegovicHughton wants to keep transfer-listed TaylorTaylor wants to stay at NewcastleBen Arfa, who has had disciplinary problems in the past, travelled to Tyneside earlier this month in an attempt to clinch a move, but returned to France with the clubs unable to agree terms. [LNB]He finally got his wish a day after Ivory Coast international Cheik Tiote joined Newcastle, and although Ben Arfa will not be involved at Wolves, he could face Blackpool in the club's next Premier League game. [LNB]Ben Arfa said: "It was always my first choice to come here and I'm delighted to be here. [LNB]"I have paid real attention to the history of the club and the great players to have played for it, and particularly the supporters, and I want to showcase my skills in Newcastle. [LNB]"All I'm waiting for is to show what I can do in front of the public in Newcastle. [LNB]"A lot of my friends in France already know the fans' reputation. The stadium has an ambience that is unique and I feel very lucky to have his opportunity." [LNB]Ben Arfa's signing delighted manager Chris Hughton, who has had to try to strengthen his squad for life in the Premier League on a limited budget. [LNB]He has now added James Perch, Sol Campbell, Dan Gosling, Tiote and Ben Arfa to the group of players who won the Championship title last season, and he hopes to keep defender Steven Taylor, who was this week transfer-listed after protracted contract talks failed to come to fruition. [LNB]Campbell is working his way towards match fitness, while Gosling continues his recovery from the long-term knee injury with which he arrived, but spirits have soared at St James' Park in the wake of last Sunday's 6-0 demolition of Aston Villa and the midweek Carling Cup win over Accrington Stanley with a much-changed side. [LNB]Hughton said: "Hatem is a player who we have been tracking for a long time, and what is important is that he is not only a young player who should continue to improve, but somebody who already has a great reputation in the game. [LNB]"We think he will add flair to the squad and we are confident he will fit in well with the team that we have put together here. [LNB]"He will, I am sure, prove to be a great addition. [LNB]"He won't be available to face Wolves at the weekend, but he will come into my thinking for the next game at home to Blackpool. [LNB]"He's someone who will excite the fans here, who of course have always identified with skilful, attacking players." [LNB]Managing director Derek Llambias was also thrilled to have at last made the breakthrough in negotiations. [LNB]Llambias said: "It has taken a lot of hard work behind the scenes to bring in a player of Hatem's quality, but we really are delighted that he is now here. [LNB]"His signing, along with that of Cheik Tiote, shows our commitment to bringing international class players to St James' Park." [LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB]
