Ben Arfa lands new Lyon contract

Olympique Lyonnais have handed 19-year-old winger Hatem Ben Arfa a new contract that will keep him at the club until June 2010.

Injury problems
Ben Arfa's existing deal had been due to expire next June but despite having not played since 12 August because of an ankle injury and fitness problems, Lyon had no hesitation in offering the new terms. The French Under-21 international signed his existing contract in July 2004, just before making his Ligue 1 breakthrough. He first rose to prominence earlier that summer in helping his country win the UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

Govou close
Lyon are also thought to be close to extending Sidney Govou's contract, ending a period of uncertainty between player and club that had seen the 27-year-old placed on the transfer list in the summer. Govou, is in his eighth season at the French champions and played a key part in each of their title successes over the past five campaigns. Reports suggest he has had a second meeting with club president Jean-Michel Aulas.