Newcastle United star Diame, who joined Rafa Benitez’s side in the summer, says it would be nice to have his old friend back at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United midfielder Mo Diame has told the Chronicle it would be nice to have Hatem Ben Arfa back at St. James’ Park.
The French-born pair were teammates at both the Clairefontaine academy and Hull City, from whom Newcastle signed Diame in the summer.
Despite a bright start to his Magpies career Ben Arfa soon fell out of favour on Tyneside, and was released from his contract in January 2015.
Ben Arfa scores for Newcastle
Two years on, the France winger finds himself on the books of Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, but has started in six of his 18 appearances this season.
And Diame, who said he was convinced to join Newcastle by Ben Arfa, would love to return the favour.
“Me and Hatem are friends. We had two seasons together at Clairefontaine. We still keep in touch now. He’s not playing a lot at Paris-Saint Germain, but everyone knows the player he is. He will be back,” the Senegal midfielder told the Chronicle.
“It’s true, Hatem told me to sign for Newcastle when I asked. He told me what a massive club Newcastle is. He was very happy here. He told me he had a good relationship with the fans – he loved it, he told me straight away to come to Newcastle.
“It would be nice for him to come back! He’s a player who could help the team and imagine him coming back and having happy fans who are behind him again. I think it would be good for him and I know he still loves the club.”
According to the Chronicle, Newcastle are keen to add to their wide options this winter, although it is unlikely that Ben Arfa would be considered.
Hull City’s Robert Snodgrass is a reported Newcastle United target
Hull’s Robert Snodgrass is the latest name to be linked with Rafa Benitez’s side [Guardian], having rejected a new contract at the KCOM Stadium.
The Scotland star’s deal expires in the summer but the Tigers could exercise a one-year extension option.
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