Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Dimitri Payet?

Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Dimitri Payet no longer wants to play for West Ham United. Should Arsenal make a move for the French star?

After a slow start to the January transfer window, rumours and reports are beginning to fly. Arsenal are, as ever, at the centre of much of this mire, with ambitious names being spouted, controversial contract discussions and one particularly confusing, potential loan departure.

Related Story: 30 Greatest Transfers In Past 30 Years

The latest name to enter the realm of the transfer is West Ham United winger Dimitri Payet. The Frenchman was utterly sensational last season, scoring nine goals, assisting a further 12 and creating more chances than anyone else in the Premier League not named Mesut Ozil. However, this season, thanks to injuries and disillusionment, Payet has not been the same creative, attacking force.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

However, this season, thanks to injuries and disillusionment, Payet has not been the same creative, attacking force. As such, rumours of his unhappiness at the Hammers, and the possibility that he will look to move have arisen. These rumours were confirmed by manager Slaven Bilic, when he publicly declared that Payet no longer wants to play for West Ham:

"“We have said we don’t want to sell our best players but Dimitri Payet does not want to play for us. We are not going to sell him. I spoke to the chairman and this is not a money issue. We gave him a long contract because we want him to stay.”"

While there is a clear desire of Bilic and the club to keep Payet, history tells us that when a player wants to leave, they usually get their way.

Where Arsenal and Arsene Wenger enter the fray is with Payet’s comments himself. Only in December, the attacker, after the five-goal demolition that his side suffered at the hands of the Gunners, declared his admiration for the style of play of Wenger’s side, suggesting that he would enjoy playing at the Emirates:

"“I read that Wenger considers me the missing piece of the Arsenal’s game, but he’s never told me that! We conceded five or six at home against them. When you see them playing, as a technical player, you could only have fun in that team. They’re candidates for the title every year.”"

Here we have, then, an unhappy player, a club that could be forced into selling, especially if the right offer was on the table and a desirable target that said player is aiming for.

Next: Top 15 Most Ridiculous Transfer Sagas

It would seem logical for Arsenal to take advantage of Payet’s situation. He is a very talented player, someone who clearly admires the Gunners, has the technical and mental attributes to excel in Wenger’s system and could even be available in January, unlike many of the best players across Europe.