Barcelona Transfer News: Shock Hatem Ben Arfa Talk Emerges Amid Latest Rumours

Nice forward Hatem Ben Arfa is reportedly in "advanced" talks with La Liga giants Barcelona ahead of a potential shock summer move to the Camp Nou on a free transfer. 

According to L'Equipe (via Get French Football News), the 29-year-old will "probably" join the Blaugrana at the end of the season, just a year-and-a-half on from the end of his disastrous loan spell with Hull City.

AFP's Tom Williams relayed further details that indicated Ben Arfa has already met with Barca directors to talk over a deal:

The Frenchman will be a free agent in the summer having signed only a one-season deal with Nice when he joined the club last year.

He has been brilliant for Les Aiglons in Ligue 1 this term, netting 17 goals and providing five assists, per WhoScored.com. 

Ben Arfa looks a completely different player from the one that left Hull under a cloud of ignominy early last year.

Tigers manager Steve Bruce previously summed up quite how poor Ben Arfa was during his time at the KC Stadium, per ITV Sport's Will Unwin:

Meanwhile, European football writer Andy Brassell relayed another indicator from L'Equipe as to how far Ben Arfa's star had fallen only a year ago:

Thus it is quite remarkable that he is now being linked with a move to one of the best sides in the world.

And it is a move that makes sense. Barca are in need of further attacking depth as they are currently overly reliant on Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar playing almost every match.

Celta Vigo's Nolito previously looked the front-runner to be brought in by manager Luis Enrique, but he could now be on the way to AC Milan, per Bleacher Report's Dean Jones:

Ben Arfa would be a fine alternative option. While his attitude was previously questioned, he always showed glimpses that he could be a top-class player capable of performing to UEFA Champions League level.

Having shown further dedication with Nice he has started to fulfil his immense potential, and he could be a decent addition to the Barca squad, not least because he can play through the middle or on either flank.

L'Equipe's report (via Get French Football News) added that Milan, Besiktas, Villarreal, Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon have all also shown interest in Ben Arfa, but his heart is reportedly set on a move to Barca, a switch that would have seemed ludicrous only a year ago.