Claude Puel could become the next Southampton manager this week and he is plotting to take former Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa to the south coast club this summer.
The Frenchman is speculated to be Southampton’s choice as their next manager and it has been claimed that he could even formally take the reins of the club today.
The former Nice manager is already planning his transfer strategy for the summer, and according to L’Equipe, he is interested in signing his former Nice winger Ben Arfa for Southampton.
After a disastrous stint in England, the Frenchman joined Nice on a short term contract last summer, and rejuvenated his career under Puel with some startling performances in Ligue 1.
The 29-year-old is again attracting interest from clubs across Europe, including Premier League champions Leicester and Europa League winners Sevilla.
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Puel enjoyed a harmonious working relationship with Ben Arfa at Nice and is hoping to convince the winger to move to St. Mary’s Stadium this summer with him.
The Frenchman is willing to listen to Southampton’s offer, but is also considering his options, with Sevilla believed to be in pole position to secure his signature.
He scored 17 goals and notched up six assists in 34 Ligue 1 appearances for Nice last season.
