Liverpool for Ben Arfa? A look at both sides

With the January transfer window closing just over a week ago, the papers are readying themselves to link as many players with summer transfers as possible. The Guardian reports that Liverpool may put in a bid for skillful winger Hatem Ben Arfa in the summer, despite the fact that his contract runs until 2015 and would thus command a hefty fee.

In all likelihood, such a move will not go through. The Reds may well require a naturally right-sided wide player – depending on your opinion of the ability of Downing (which is pretty poor in mine) and the versatility of some of Liverpool's promising young attacking talent – but it will almost certainly not come in the form of the France international. Not only will he cost a fair amount, but he has made an open secret of his desire to join French giants PSG. Despite the fact that a move to Anfield would almost certainly be a step up in terms of club pedigree (if you forget about Newcastle's wonder-finish last season), although perhaps squad ability could be arguable, it would take a fantastic piece of negotiation from the Merseyside-based club to convince the Frenchman to give up on his dream transfer, while persuading Newcastle to cough up one of their finest players who has plenty of contract left.

Anyone else smell mindless speculation? No? Just me? Well, in favour of that argument, O cynical ones, Newcastle's supposed continued interest in their old striker Andy Carroll could be a very important bargaining chip. The Magpies would surely reap a huge profit on the £35 million man, and who's to say Liverpool would lose out completely? They would gain a player who would be far more suited to Rodgers' system than Carroll, who could make a genuine impact in the side. Depending on which way the money flows in the transfer (assuming this transfer even happens – which I still think is unlikely) then it could be a good move for all involved.

Anyone else smell massive self-contradiction? Good. I thought it was just me.

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Comments

[Talkshite]

What a load of crap. Waste of time story & and quite retarded Sean. Anyone with comman sense and an interest in football knows better. End of.

[Sean Wilson]

I'm sorry, I'm not entirely sure which aspect of my article you seem to take issue with, would you care to explain?

[Benny]

Carrol would not fit in at newcastle anymore whit their new style of play either. And Ben arfa is also much higher rated than Carroll, so why would newcastle let him go?!
Despite newcaslte form this first half of the season whit injuries and such, Liverpool is not actually a big step up..

[M.]

Yes it apparently looks win-win for both parties, but I think Ashley 'll not sell HBA to LFC in exchange of Donkey Carroll, unless we pay another 15mn+ with that white elephant. Carroll 'll end up where he belongs - Championship. Biggest transfer howler in football history, unfortunately at the cost of LFC money. After 35mn wastage, trash cleaning 'll cost over 15mn, if we go for an exchange with HBA.