OPINION
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is looking to strengthen his squad for the new season, and that can only be achieved by seeking out top-quality, reliable players.
The Spaniard has not exactly had free reign of the transfer budget this summer and has been limited on what he can spend on new players, and he is at risk of being priced out on potential targets due to this recent lack of cash.
One option he should consider is looking at the transfer market for free agents.
Step forward attacker Hatem Ben Arfa, a name who the United faithful are bound to be very familiar with after his three year spell at the club – which excludes loans – ended in 2015.
The attacker is now a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season, and Foot365 journalist Nizar Hanini has claimed on his personal Twitter account that West Ham have emerged as having him on their radar.
Nouveau prétendant pour #BenArfa : #WestHam
— Nizar Hanini (@Nizar_Hanini) July 26, 2018
Newcastle need to hijack their Premier League rivals’ hunt and plot a reunion with the 5″8 (source: Transfermarkt) attacking midfielder in a move that could seriously enhance Benitez’ options going forward next term.
His form for the Magpies was impressive as his technical prowess in midfield ensured Newcastle were clinical in their attacking play, with his creativity proving pivotal in the final third.
He established himself as one of the club’s star assets during his three years on Tyneside, and maintained Newcastle’s run in the top-flight for a while, an accomplishment that even earned him call-ups to the France national team.
Benitez needs all of the talent he can get his hands on, and Ben Arfa is a safe option as he has had vast experience of playing in England and knows the club well.
Now United need to plot a reunion and ruin West Ham’s party, by making a move that could seriously enhance their threat in the final third.
