Report: Leicester City want Hatem Ben Arfa as replacement for Riyad Mahrez

Nice's French forward Hatem Ben Arfa (R) celebrates with his teammate Nice's Portuguese defender Ricardo Pereira after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Rennes and Nice on October 18, 2015
© Getty Images
Leicester City are reportedly interested in recruiting former Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa on a free transfer after leaving Nice, as a replacement for Riyad Mahrez.

Leicester City have expressed an interest in recruiting former Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa as a replacement for Riyad Mahrez, according to reports.

Ben Arfa was one of Ligue 1's standout players last season, scoring 17 goals and registering six assists for Nice, but is now available on a free transfer.

According to Goal.com, the Premier League champions have contacted the 29-year-old's representatives to register their interest, with Mahrez reportedly on the radar of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

Sevilla and PSG are also said to be keeping an eye on Ben Arfa, who missed out on a place in the France squad for Euro 2016.

Nice's French forward Hatem Ben Arfa (R) celebrates with his teammate Nice's Portuguese defender Ricardo Pereira after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Rennes and Nice on October 18, 2015
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City22006246
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd22005146
3Hull City22004136
4Chelsea22004226
5Everton21103214
6Middlesbrough21103214
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs21102114
8Burnley21012113
9West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom21012203
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham21012203
11Liverpool210145-13
12Swansea CitySwansea210112-13
13Arsenal201134-11
14Watford201123-11
15Leicester CityLeicester201112-11
16Southampton201113-21
17Stoke CityStoke201125-31
18Sunderland200224-20
19Crystal Palace200202-20
20Bournemouth200214-30