According to reports in France, Karim Benzema tried to convince Real Madrid President Florentino Perez to sign Hatem Ben Arfa earlier this summer – a move the Los Blancos chief decided against in the end.
Ben Arfa – who was released by PSG earlier in the year – was available on a free transfer this summer and finally sealed a move to Ligue 1 side Rennes last week; however things could’ve been very different if fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema had his way!
Benzema played alongside the 31-year old at Lyon and in several French youth set ups, so will know Ben Arfa very well.
French publication Ouest-France claim that Real Madrid President Florentino Perez was considering offering him a performance based contract at one stage, however the possibility of any deal ‘died’ when new boss Julen Lopetegui was appointed back in June.
Karim Benzema suggested to Real Madrid President Florentino Perez that he sign Hatem Ben Arfa this summer. (OF)
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) September 3, 2018
It would’ve been quite a story, but I think Hatem’s move to Ligue 1 side Rennes will work out far better than a headline-grabbing move to the Bernabeu would have (especially if his big move to PSG is anything to go by..)
Good luck to him at Rennes – hopefully he can get his career back on track after an awful few years at PSG.
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