Newcastle United could be about to transfer the next Hatem Ben Arfa to St James’ Park, after Calciomercato.it claimed they are ‘very interested’ in Stade Brest star Romain Faivre.
The Italian publication cited the Magpies’ interest in the former France U21 midfielder last month. But faced competition from Serie A title-hopefuls AC Milan for Faivre’s signature.
The Rossoneri came close to signing the 23-year-old this summer, and believe he can still solve a problem. With Stefano Pioli set to lose Ismael Bennacer and Franck Kessie to the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Brest will want between €15m-18m (£13-15m) to sell Faivre amid Newcastle and Milan’s transfer interest. But Sportmediaset also report €10m (£8m) would be enough upfront.
And in a further boost to Newcastle’s hopes of a mid-season transfer, Calciomercato now report Milan are having second thoughts on prising Faivre from Brest in the January sales.
That’s because the San Siro outfit are second guessing what sort of impact he would bring in the winter. Despite scoring four and assisting four goals in 12 Ligue 1 games this term.
Milan’s cold feet could swing the door wide open for Newcastle to strike a deal with Brest for Faivre. Handing new boss Eddie Howe a player long considered of the ilk of Ben Arfa.
Brest star Faivre adores Newcastle cult hero Ben Arfa
Faivre’s performances with Stade Brest have long drawn comparisons with Newcastle cult hero Ben Arfa for his style of play.
However, the £3.5k-a-week maestro – who scored six and assisted five goals in 36 Ligue 1 games last term – has previously distanced himself from the comparisons.
When speaking to L’Equipe in January, Faivre spoke of his admiration for Ben Arfa, who played 86 times for Newcastle.
“It’s another category, even if I look a bit like him [on the pitch],” Faivre said. “He’s a genius! I also adore Ronaldinho, he’s really the one who made me love football.
“But I don’t just have dribbling. I really like breaking the lines in passing. I still have a lot to improve, especially my statistics.”