Arsenal are reportedly set to lock horns with Manchester United in an attempt to sign West Ham United superstar Dimitri Payet
The Sun claim that Arsenal are showing interest in West Ham United superstar Dimitri Payet. The French superstar, who has been linked of late with a move to Manchester United, is now also on the radar of Arsenal, as per the report.
Dimitri Payet has been a revelation since making the move to the Premier League last season. Payet always had the ability but his move to Premier League gave him the opportunity to shine on a larger platform. And, boy did he shine. A stellar first season that helped West Ham United to a seventh-placed finish.
The Hammers have struggled to get going this season, lingering towards the bottom at 16th on the table, just 1 point away from the relegation places. Despite his club’s struggles, Payet has continued to impress the onlookers with his abilities, albeit in a somewhat subdued manner, with a return of 1 goal and 5 assists in the league this season.
The 29-year-old was heavily linked with a summer exit and even though he stayed at the club, West Ham’s struggles may convince the Frenchman to look for a January move. Payet has a long-term contract with the Hammers with his current deal running till 2021.
The recent reports have linked Payet with a move to Manchester United with Jose Mourinho eyeing the addition of the charismatic winger. And now, Arsenal seem to have joined the queue. Payet has the ability to play on either wing and even in a central attacking midfield role, and his ability from dead-ball situations make the French superstar a complete attacking package.
Although, Payet’s long-term contract means West Ham United are likely to ask a considerable amount of money in order to agree for a transfer. Also, Slaven Bilic may be unwilling to part with Dimitri, given that his side’s current struggles.
His sale may lower the morale of the rest of the squad and will, certainly, lower the overall quality available in the roster. The fee quoted in the Manchester United report was around the £35m, a fee that neither Arsenal nor Manchester United would have trouble shelving out for the seasoned superstar.
If West Ham’s struggles continue beyond December into the January transfer window, Payet may be forced to rethink his stance of staying at the club. And it looks like he doesn’t have dearth of potential destinations to choose from.
