The move has been delayed by financial haggling, with cash‑strapped Marseille insisting Newcastle should pay almost £1m to borrow Arfa for the season.
The news from St James' Park is that Mike Ashley is only willing to pay £500,000 plus the players wages.
The 23-year-old is of Tunisian descent, and although he is regarded as one of the best young talents in France, he has been criticised for being a free spirit and lacking discipline.
He can play either in central midfield or as an outright left-winger.