Should Rafa Benitez take a gamble and make summer move for PSG star?

As this season's Premier League gradually draws to a close and Newcastle United push for a top ten finish after a wonderful run of form saw them dispel relegation fears, attention will inevitably turn towards summer transfer plans on Tyneside.

With Mike Ashley desperate in attempts to sell the club, it's still unclear what budget will be available at Rafa Benitez's disposal.

The Spaniard has once more proven himself as a savvy operator in the transfer market during his tenure in the North East and whatever his budget turns out to be, it'll be imperative that he continues to find shrewd acquisitions as he strives to take Newcastle towards the next level.

Time for a familiar face?

One of the most talented though often frustrating players to turn out for Newcastle in recent years is undoubtedly Hatem Ben Arfa. His ability to create something out of nothing and score spectacular goals made him a firm favourite of the Geordie contingent.

Unfortunately though, his four-year spell at Newcastle ultimately flattered to deceive, through a combination of serious injury hampering his development and his own lack of discipline.

Despite his ability, Ben Arfa was regularly frustrating Newcastle and found himself on the bench too often

Mixed time in France, what's next for Ben Arfa?

Since leaving, he had a fantastic season at Ligue 1 side Nice before being signed by league champions Paris Saint-Germain. After one mixed campaign in Paris, he was completely frozen out by Unai Emery this term and has yet to feature in a single game.

Ben Arfa turned 31 last month and naturally, will feel he still has plenty left to perform at the highest level over the coming years. He was one of Ligue 1's best players at Nice, where he was given the opportunity to perform every week and maintain his consistency - something that he never could really do at Newcastle.

PSG, who themselves have lofty aspirations with a star-studded squad to match, were never really going to utilise him regularly unless he hit the ground running.

Ben Arfa in pre-season action against Leicester back in 2016

His contract is set to expire this summer and one of the most naturally gifted footballers of his generation will find himself on the hunt for a club once again. With Benitez's budget unlikely to be huge, surely Ben Arfa would be worth a gamble, even on a short-term deal?

With a point to prove after his treatment at PSG, Newcastle may finally get the hungry and motivated player they thought they had signed back in 2010. It would undoubtedly be a gamble, but one I think would be worth taking.