Hatem Ben Arfa says he could reject Barcelona and Liverpool to remain at Nice

Hatem Ben Arfa has suggested he could choose to stay put in France rather than join Barcelona. Ben Arfa, 29, has enjoyed a remarkable career turnaround at Nice, crowned by a sublime 2015-16 season which has saw him score 17 goals in 34 league appearances.

With his current contract set to expire this summer, the former Newcastle United star has reportedly received offers from both Liverpool and Barcelona, with Nice chairman Jean-Pierre Rivere urging the France international to sign for the Catalan giants.

Lyon however are hopeful of convincing Ben Arfa to remain in France, although the forward now admits he might reject a move altogether and extend his stay at Nice.

"Why would I not stay with Nice?" Ben Arfa asked Canal Plus. "We will see what I will do in the future. Lyon? They are an interesting club with a lot of ambitions."

L'Equipe reported last week that Barcelona was in "advanced talks" with the French forward, adding the player also travelled to Catalonia to meet club officials and discuss the deal.

Talks between Ben Arfa and Barcelona were later confirmed by Rivere, who told France 3: "Barcelona are indeed one of the numerous clubs who have asked for Hatem. Frankly, if it could happen I would be very, very happy for Hatem, who deserves to go to a club like Barcelona."

RMC Sport claimed Liverpool had also tabled a contract offer for the player.

Ben Arfa's excellent season saw him named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year but missed out on selection for France's Euro 2016 provisional squad and was relegated to Didier Deschamps' reserve list.