Former Newcastle star Hatem Ben Arfa ‘is targeted by Claude Puel at Saint Etienne as the ex-Leicester boss plans to bring him back to France on a free transfer’ following nightmare spell at Real Valladolid
- Hatem Ben Arfa is being lined up by Saint Etienne boss Claude Puel this summer
- The winger is available on a bosman after an unsuccessful spell at Valladolid
- Now Puel, who managed Ben Arfa at Nice, wants to rescue him from Spain
Hatem Ben Arfa is being lined up by Saint Etienne manager Claude Puel on a free transfer this summer following a disaster spell with Real Valladolid.
The former Newcastle and Hull City star only joined the Spanish side on a six-month deal in January but has played just twice and is set for a return to France with his contract running out at the end of June.
And French outlet Le10Sport claim that ex-Leicester manager Puel, who worked with Ben Arfa at Nice in 2015-16, will try to bring him to Saint Etienne after previously getting bringing the best out of him.
Hatem Ben Arfa poses alongside legendary Ronaldo after signing for Real Valladolid in January
Ben Arfa spent just one season in the south of France but enjoyed a clinical one – as he netted 18 times and breathed new life back into a career that was dwindling following underwhelming displays for both Newcastle and Hull.
His performances under Puel at Nice saw him rewarded with a big move to PSG – but he failed to take the next step and didn’t manage to score a league goal for the Parisians. Meanwhile, Puel moved to the Premier League to manage Southampton in the same season.
But now the French boss is back in Ligue 1 following his sacking by Leicester, he sees Ben Arfa as the ideal recruitment to bring goals to his team, who are lingering just above the relegation zone.