Arsenal are being linked with a surprise move for French playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa.

According to several reports, the Gunners have joined the chase for the Newcastle player and are set to battle with Chelsea for the 25-year-old's signature.

Ben Arfa, who will cost around £20 million ($31 million), had an impressive campaign with Newcastle last season, helping the Magpies to fifth place in the Premier League. The Frenchman registered seven goals and seven assists in 34 games, after recovering from a broken leg in September.

The midfielder scored one of the best goals in the past season, picking up the ball in his own half before going past several Bolton players, to score a memorable strike.

Chelsea were rumored to be in pole position, but with Arsenal also coming in, Ben Arfa is believed to have welcomed the interest as the player feels first team appearances will be hard t come by at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal are still looking to fill the void created by the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

Ben Arfa told The Sun. "If I do not have a really, really serious proposal, I'll stay.

"If a big club comes, but does not propose something interesting -- that is to say, the coach really wants me -- I'll stay.

"If I do not feel the confidence of the new coach 100 per cent, I will not leave.

"I still have a three-year contract. But I know it can go fast."

The former Marseille and Lyon man has previously been linked with Arsenal during his time in the French League and Arsene Wenger is understood to be a big fan of the playmaker.