Rumour Mill: Coach Garde Makes Impact Fans Dream

A high profile coach like Rémi Garde has many connections given all the world class players he has coached along the way. Hatem Ben Arfa, who is without contract after this season, seems to be the next potential target.

Impact fans should not read into this rumour just yet as all Garde expressed is that he knows Ben Arfa really well and if he is looking into making a move to the MLS he would be welcomed to the Impact.

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Hatem Ben Arfa, the 31-year-old, attacking midfielder, could be a great pick up for the Impact. His experience and the clubs he has played for (Lyon, Marseille, Newcastle, Hull City, Nice, and Paris Saint-Germain) alone define how great of a player he is. Alongside of his impressive career, he has recorded 61 goals in 343 games (his best season coming in 2015-16 where he recorded 18 goals in 37 games with Nice). Ben Arfa is a player who is great with the ball at his feet and has a strong shot.

Given the youth movement of the Impact this season, it would be surprising for them to use their final designated player spot for a 31 year old, but Garde clearly has a plan and is full of surprises. The other issue would be the international slot that was already very confusing with the acquisition of Rudy Camacho.

Obviously the connections that Garde has made along the way in his career will be a tool that the Impact will be able to use along the way. Players around the world know who Garde is and well it may not necessarily get players to the club it'll peek their interest at the very least.