Claude Puel’s unfulfilled dream in the Premier League has taken a new shape as the French manager has been unveiled as the new Leicester City manager, after the departure of Craig Shakespeare. Puel has made a winning start to his new journey, following a win over Everton and it seems he is relishing his new duty.
But every manager has some special requirement and Puel is likely to bring a number of players at the King Power Stadium. According to reports, Claude Puel might be interested in getting a deal done for Paris Saint Germain’s Hatem Ben Arfa.
The 30-year-old hasn’t enjoyed his best time at the French club and has been searching for a way out of the club and returning to the Premier League would be a great way to reclaim his form.
Ben Arfa has been frozen by the club and hasn’t featured at all this season. The playmaker has been urging the club to release him but the French club don’t seem to be too interested in letting him leave.
Ben Arfa probably had his best time at Nice under the tutelage of Puel and the two share a very cordial relationship. Puel used Arfa very extensively at his time at the French club and was pretty successful. The gaffer expressed his disappointment on how the player is being used at the Parc Des Princes and if given a chance, he is likely to set for a reunion with the player.
Puel could be used in the no. 10 role or on the flanks. The French international had a very productive spell with Newcastle United earlier, so he is well acquainted with the difficulties of the Premier League.
Riayd Mahrez is a wanted player these days and there is a good chance that the player might leave the King Power Stadium in near future and in that case, Ben Arfa could be a readymade replacement.
The attacking midfielder’s contract is due to expire at the end of this season and he would be available in the January for a cut-price deal. Puel is well aware of Arfa’s ability and could use him according to his need.
Following their Premier League triumph in 2015/16, the Foxes’s have somehow lost the credibility and Puel has been handed the responsibility to restore their pride and he would go to any extent in completing his task successfully.
Ben Arfa is a decent option but is he the right man for the Foxes?
