Southampton could swoop for PSG's Ben Arfa

Paris Saint Germain playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa could be offered a way out of the Ligue 1 champions by Southampton in January, according to reports.

The Mirror is reporting that Hatem Ben Arfa, who is currently struggling to break into the Paris Saint Germain side, could be a potential January transfer target for Southampton.

Ben Arfa only joined PSG this summer on a free transfer from Nice, and despite some stellar performances in Ligue 1 last season, the former Lyon and Marseille attacking midfielder has been unable to hold down a starting berth under new manager Unai Emery.

Ben Arfa was close to joining Sevilla in the summer transfer window while Emery was still in charge of the Europa League champions. But when the Spanish tactician agreed to replace the departed Laurent Blanc at the Parc des Princes, he convinced the France international to join him there instead.

So it seems bizarre that, given Emery’s apparent admiration of the player, Ben Arfa is not being fully utilised in the French capital.

Ben Arfa has Premier League experience from his time with Newcastle United and Hull City, but his stint in England ended on a sour note, when the Magpies released the player due to poor performances and a supposed bad attitude.

The 29-year-old then built his reputation back up by scoring 17 goals to help Nice finish fourth in Ligue 1 last season.