Barcelona Transfer News: Hatem Ben Arfa Meeting Confirmed by Nice, Fresh Rumours

Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere has confirmed Barcelona have been in contact with Hatem Ben Arfa regarding a possible summer deal.

According to France 3 (h/t Sport), Rivere said:

"

Neither the player or the club have confirmed to me that it's done. What is true is that they have met.

I would be very happy if the operation goes through, for the player and for Nice. It signifies something that Nice can count on exceptional players like Ben Arfa. I'm not the player and I'm not Barcelona, but in the end who should decide is the player himself.

"

Nice took a gamble on the Frenchman after Newcastle United let him go last year, and he will be available for free this summer when his deal expires.

BreatheSport highlighted the dramatic turnaround in the forward's fortunes:

"

Ben Arfa:

2014 - Couldn't get a game for Hull.

2015 - Released by Newcastle.

2016 - In talks to join Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/QSTQMqJ2JR

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) May 7, 2016"

Ben Arfa is among the most talented players in European football on his day, but as his spells with the Magpies and Hull City demonstrated, he has had trouble showing his abilities on a consistent basis. 

This season has been different, with the 29-year-old racking up 18 goals and five assists in all competitions. BT Sport Football shared one his stunning strikes:

As French football writer Matt Spiro noted, magnificent goals have become a recurring theme of his campaign, while he has further impressed with his sublime dribbling—as he did in the above goal—per OptaJean:

Football writer Andy Brassell believes the forward deserves great praise for turning his career around and also thinks Ben Arfa is more mature:

Indeed, while a Barca move would have been unthinkable not long ago, despite his incredible talent, Ben Arfa seems to be reaching his considerable potential at long last. The Blaugrana are in need of a forward who can provide cover for their front three, and if the Frenchman can keep up his good form, he'd make an excellent choice.

Another alternative could be Sevilla's Kevin Gameiro. According to TV3 (h/t Sport), he has attracted Barca's interest.

The striker has been in stunning form this season, as journalist David Cartlidge revealed:

Here are some of his many highlights:

The Frenchman is a proven goalscorer in La Liga, so he'd make a good choice for the Catalan giants.

He would face something of a dilemma, though, as he would need to give up his role as Sevilla's main man to become a squad player at Barca. Despite Ben Arfa being a free transfer, Gameiro would likely be less of a gamble, but he'd be a harder one to pull off.