Leicester turn to France international as Mahrez replacement

Leicester have approached out-of-contract France star Hatem Ben Arfa as a possible replacement for Riyad Mahrez this summer, according to France Football, via Get French Football.

Claudio Ranieri’s side are reluctantly coming to the idea of losing Mahrez in the summer and are already preparing for his anticipated departure by sounding out alternatives.

The Premier League champions are one of a number of teams across Europe to express an interest in Ben Arfa, who will be a free agent this summer when his contract expires with Nice.

Ben Arfa enjoyed his finest campaign to date last season and has been linked with a move to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain as a result. However, Leicester have made initial efforts to speak to Ben Arfa, although he does not want to return to England.

The 29-year-old finished last season as the fifth highest rated player in Ligue 1 after scoring 17 goals and registering six assists to a Nice side that performed above the odds to finish fourth. Additionally, no player completed more dribbles in the French top-flight than the former Newcastle flop (152).

For more stats on Hatem Ben Arfa, click here to visit his WhoScored player page