Paris Saint-Germain adds dribbling wizard Ben Arfa to attacking ranks
Paris Saint-Germain has taken the first step in replacing the attacking exploits of departed star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, announcing Friday the signing of dribbler extraordinaire Hatem Ben Arfa.
The French winger, 29, inked a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 giant, arriving at the Parc des Princes after his contract with Nice expired following a remarkable season with the Cote d'Azur outfit.
(Courtesy: Paris Saint-Germain)
"Signing with Paris Saint-Germain is a very happy and a proud moment," Ben Arfa told PSG's official website. "Paris Saint-Germain has always been a very special team for me, so to wear this jersey at the Parc des Princes is a childhood dream.
"It is an honour that the club is giving me this opportunity, making this dream come true. I will do my utmost to represent my new team to the best of my abilities and to make our supporters proud.
"Finally, I would like to thank OGC Nice, who helped me get back to enjoying my football again and gave me another chance to show French fans what I am capable of on the pitch."
Ben Arfa found the net 17 times in Ligue 1 last season, adding six assists during a campaign that saw him put countless defenders on a poster.
Related - VIDEO: Hatem Ben Arfa displays near-perfect slalom run
PSG chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi also extolled the virtues of the talented Frenchman: "I am happy to welcome such a talented player as Hatem Ben Arfa to our club. For numerous years now, Hatem has been a major player in French football and was one of the most brilliant players in Ligue 1 last season.
"Our fans have been anticipating the arrival of a player of his style and I know he will provide them with a lot of excitement on the field. With his support, Paris Saint-Germain reaffirms its commitment to develop a spectacular style of football."
The well-well-travelled Ben Arfa, who has also spent time with Lyon, Marseille, Newcastle, and Hull during his career, could soon be joined by another new signing, as PSG is reportedly looking to snap up Polish star Grzegorz Krychowiak from Sevilla.
Related: Sevilla president confirms big offer for Krychowiak from PSG