Ben Arfa set for talks

Midfielder to talk about future

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 3rd March 2008

Ben Arfa set for talks

Ben Arfa: Ready for United

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Hatem Ben Arfa admits he is hoping to talk with Lyon about his future.

The French starlet has two-years left on his current deal and admits he wants to hold talks with chairman Jean-Michel Aulas.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move along with team-mate Karim Benzema - but he insists he is not looking to leave.

"Until further notice, I am at Lyon until 2010. I should meet the chairman soon and we will see what happens," he said.

"But I am fine here. As long as it is for my improvement, I am open to anything.

"I have been called into the French team while I was not in the Lyon staring XI yet.

"That was a big proof of trust from the national coach, and it was of big importance on a mental level to me. It also changed things at the club."

United bid

Ben Arfa did reveal that as a youngster United tried to lure him to Old Trafford - whilst he also confirmed the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona wanted him.

"Manchester United sent me a T-shirt signed by Ryan Giggs to convince me, then Jose Mourinho invited my family to Chelsea to see the facilities, and (Barcelona director of football) Txiki Beguiristain was negotiating with my agent three years ago.

"There was an offer but I preferred to continue my training in Lyon. It was better for me."

Ben Arfa was surprisingly left on the bench for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 clash with United last month but he is hoping to have more involvement this week.

"In the first match, let's say I was surprised to be on the bench," he said.

"I was in the starting XI for some time. So being substitute in such a match - at first, I was very disappointed and that is logical. But the coach makes his choices.

"I am just 20-years-old, I still have to improve a lot. I still have work to do. If I was perfect I would already have won the Ballon d'Or!"

Ben Arfa is confident Lyon can find a way through at United.

"I have noticed the attacking potential at Man United is huge. But at the back, there are some gaps. We can really score goals against team. We have to go there with a lot of ambition."