But Ben Arfa could stay if Alan Pardew gets the boot at the end of the season.
Mike Ashley insists he will spend this summer, but will he trust Pardew with the funds ... or sell Ben Arfa to raise more?
Ben Arfa was suspended by the club and sent home to France after clashing with manager Pardew, which is enough to suggest his career at St James’ Park is drawing to a close.
But Ashley also knows the player is an amazing talent and Pardew is not getting the best out of him, just as he knows the same could be said of many of Newcastle's star players.
Pardew is no longer prepared to tolerate his ... but with Italian and French clubs queuing up to sign him ... who is more important to the club - the manager or the player.
According to Sunday People, Roma are ready to offer the midfielder an escape route from England as the Giallorossi are keen on his services.
Hatem Ben Arfa joined Newcastle from Marseille in the summer of 2010 and they would love him back.
The 27-year-old went has made 76 Premier League appearances for the Magpies, scoring 13 goals.