Hatem Ben Arfa could be a gamble that pays off for Crystal Palace

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Former Newcastle United attacker Hatem Ben Arfa is now a free agent and Crystal Palace could strike gold by signing him this summer.

According to a report from The Mirror, Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers is interested in signing Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend in the summer.

Townsend has been an integral part of Roy Hodgson’s side this season having played every game this season. The Eagles are also at the risk of losing star forward Wilfried Zaha who has been attracting interest from his old club Manchester United, according to sources such as the Express.

Losing two key wide players would be a monumental blow for Palace who would then need to look far and wide for capable replacements. Hodgson would need a player who can hit the ground running next season and Hatem Ben Arfa could be a decent bet.

The former Newcastle man will be a free agent this summer after an incredible season with Rennes. Ben Arfa played a key role in helping the club have a good run in the Europa League as well as winning the French League Cup.

The Frenchman scored nine goals and provided six assists in all competitions this campaign and he would be a smart signing for the Eagles.

Ben Arfa has had his tough times in the Premier League over the years but the 32-year-old is more than capable of having a positive impact. On his day, he has the potential to terrorise defences and when fully motivated, he can win games on his own.

The Frenchman would undoubtedly be a huge gamble for the Eagles, considering his inconsistency, but Palace would have very little to lose considering that he is available for free and Hodgson could well bring the best out of him.