Arsenal keeping close eye on West Ham’s star midfielder
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They may already boast arguably the Premier League’s finest assist-creator in Mesut Ozil, but Arsenal are in the hunt for another selfless superstar.
Arsene Wenger is reportedly chasing West Ham’s Dimitri Payet, currently the subject of much attention, with the press revealing a potential discord between the midfield ace and his current employers.
Following a stunning debut season in the Premier League, Payet – signed from Marseille in the summer – is allegedly looking to get a new £125,000-a-week contract in east London, a sizable increase on his original deal, believed to be around half that fee.
It’s also a fee West Ham aren’t too keen on paying, and one they wouldn’t have expected to face so soon having signed Payet on a five-year-deal less than a year ago.
The Frenchman’s form this term has moved the ballpark pretty rapidly however, and Arsenal are in the chase for a potential summer deal.
With Tomas Rosicky having seemingly played his last game for the club, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain still seeking to find his best form on a regular basis, Wenger has been seeking another wide creative player at the Emirates.
Payet isn’t likely to come cheap, but the 28-year-old is at the peak of his powers, scoring six and assisting a further four Premier League goals in 22 appearances this term.
Throw in his seven goals and 16 assists in his final season with Marseille and it’s clear how much the skilful midfielder directly contributes.
Featuring in over 30 league games in each of his last six seasons Payet is likely to be well received by Gooners, as the club endures another season beset by injuries.
Arsenal may need to move fast however, with reports emerging of interest from China and recent deals have shown they will pay whatever it takes to get their player.
After returning to winning ways at Bournemouth last weekend, Arsenal host league-leaders Leicester in a huge midday clash this Sunday.
The Gunners – Premier League favourites at 15/8 – hammered the Foxes 5-2 in the reverse meeting, and are 8/11 for victory against Claudio Ranieri’s 15/4 outsiders.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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