L'OM - Ben Arfa not for sale

Real's interest rebuffed by French giants

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 12th November 2008  

L'OM - Ben Arfa not for sale

Ben Arfa: Not for sale

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Marseille insist Hatem Ben Arfa is not for sale after rejecting an approach from Real Madrid.

Ben Arfa only joined Marseille from Lyon in the summer, but has been a long-term target for Spanish champions Real.

The attacker has impressed in recent weeks, with his performances drawing renewed interest from Real, who tried to sign the France international during his time at Lyon.

However, Marseille's sporting director Jose Anigo has confirmed Real's interest has been knocked back and that Ben Arfa will be staying at Stade Velodrome.

Sleep calmly

"The boy has four years left on his contract," Anigo told Le 10 Sport.

"We can sleep calmly. Real came and they will come again.

"I have a good enough relationship with the chairman Pape Diouf to tell you the player is not for sale.

"Our aim is to finish as close as possible to first place and maybe compete for the title. We will certainly not part with our weapons."