Hatem Ben Arfa denies travelling to Barcelona to hold transfer talks

Nice midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa has denied reports that he travelled to Spain to hold transfer talks with Barcelona.

Following rumours that the Catalan giants are keen to sign the midfielder on a free transfer this summer, Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere claimed that discussions have begun.

However, Ben Arfa, who has scored 17 goals in 33 games for Nice this season, has played down the speculation.

"I am not travelling abroad, contrary to what I have read," Ben Arfa told the Ligue 1 club's official website. "I am in Nice. I am only focused on the trip to Guingamp, like all of my teammates. I am focused 100% on my objectives with OGC Nice."

Ben Arfa joined Nice last January after being released by Newcastle United.