In his personal battle with Alan Pardew, he has been frozen out at Newcastle United since he reported back for the start of pre-season training.
Ben Arfa missed a penalty in a 3-2 defeat for Newcastle’s Under-21s against Barnsley at Oakwell yesterday. Adam Armstrong and Adam Campbell were on target for United.
Lyon owner Jean-Michel Aulas has opened the door to a return to the Stade de Gerland should Ben Arfa be willing to take a pay cut.
Aulas: “Ben Arfa to make a return? If he is willing to make the necessary financial effort, why not?”