Things haven’t exactly gone the way of West Ham United this season and Dimitri Payet this season. And last night’s crushing defeat at the Emirates was another tick in the wrong box for Slaven Bilic’s side. The loss also intensified rumours regarding Dimitri Payet and a move away for the Frenchman.
The Gunners clinched a comfortable 5-1 victory at West Ham last night, with Alexis Sanchez stealing the show with a hat-trick and an assist in a stunning individual display. The ex-Marseille man who picked up the Premier League player of the year at the London Football Awards last season has been unable to inspire his team this season as they languish in 17th spot at the moment.
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The 29-year-old lit up the Premier League last season as West Ham celebrated their final campaign at the Boleyn Ground with some stellar performances. Payet reached London from Marseille at the beginning of last season and was a revelation for Slaven Bilic's side. The playmaker had an impressing campaign in international football as well earning a call-up to France's Euro 2016 squad
West Ham tied the midfielder down to a long-term deal on £125,000-a-week. SunSport also revealed that the club is already considering offering their star man improved terms by the end of November to restrict him at the London stadium.
On Friday, ahead of their clash, Wenger said over the former Marseille man, “Payet is now even in France one of the star players, he has realised a bit late in his career and fulfilled his potential. West Ham was one of the triggers for him, not only did he convince last year he is a top class player, he won his place in the national team.”
Also read: Arsenal transfer rumour: Santi Cazorla linked to Serie A giants Juventus
Payet first came on Wenger’s radar when he used to play for St Etienne between 2007-2011 but a lack of consistency from the Reunion-born midfielder put pay to any transfer. The Gunners boss also kept a close eye on him during the Euros in June.
According to the reports, Wenger, when asked about his countrymen's’ potential said, “He was a top talent, always, but had periods of being up and down. I think he has all the attributes to be a top player, which he is, but he's 29-years-old already. He's matured a lot and come back into the national team, which shows he was more consistent."
Payet would fit in any of the three slots across Arsenal’s midfield horizon if he rekindles the form he showed last season. Further, Santi Cazorla’s injury pose a real headache for Wenger, and Payet isn’t ideally suited for that deep playmaking role. Apart from his clinical passing and techniques, he lacks Cazorla’s work rate and energy. In conclusion, Payet would be a real luxury buy for Arsenal and should not be a priority this January.
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