Chelsea have stepped up their interest in out-of-contract Nice star Hatem Ben Arfa after making an enquiry, reports French newspaper L’Equipe, via Get French Football.
Ben Arfa, 29, has entered the final few months of his current deal at Nice and will move on to a bigger club in the summer.
The France international has reinvigorated his career at Nice this season and has been one of the stars of the season.
Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and AC Milan have already lodged former offers for the former Newcastle United forward, but Chelsea have now entered the race as they look to rebuild their squad following a disastrous defence of their Premier League title.
Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas has also confirmed his intentions to speak to Ben Arfa, although his priority is to join PSG.
Ben Arfa has played a direct hand in 20 league goals this season and has completed more dribbles than any other player in Ligue 1 (123).
For more stats on Hatem Ben Arfa, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
