The Southampton front four that could have been if they landed this key deal

Hatem Ben Arfa

Southampton weren’t linked with too many forward players, with the departure of Jose Fonte turning attentions to the back, but one man they did have a reported interest in was Hatem Ben Arfa.

The former Newcastle and Hull attacker, currently at French champions Paris Saint-Germain, spent a season under the stewardship of Puel at Nice last time out, and it was there where the 29-year-old played some of the best football of his career.

In just one season, Ben Arfa netted 18 goals in 37 games for the club, 17 of which were in their Ligue 1 campaign which saw them finish fourth and just two points behind Monaco in third.

Clearly, Puel knew something other managers didn’t in getting the best out of the French international, before both went their separate ways last summer, with Ben Arfa earning a move to PSG and Puel moving to Southampton.

However, things haven’t worked out for Ben Arfa in the French capital, as he has made just four league starts so far this term, as well as just one in their Champions League campaign earlier in the season.

He’s clearly a surplus to requirements at PSG, which is why Puel reportedly wanted to bring him to Southampton last month in a bid to once again get the best out of the 29-year-old.

A deal didn’t happen in January, but a summer move could be on the cards should Ben Arfa remain on the peripheries at PSG.