Arsenal eye West Ham United star Dimitri Payet as January transfer target

Arsenal are considering a move to sign West Ham United star Dimitri Payet when the transfer window opens in January. The Gunners registered a 5-1 victory over the Hammers in the Premier League at the London Stadium on 3 December.

Alexis Sanchez set up the opening goal for Mesut Ozil before scoring a hat-trick against Slaven Bilic's side. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was also on the scoresheet as the north London club sealed a comfortable victory.

According to The Sun, Arsene Wenger will make an approach for the France international if Arsenal are still in a strong position to chase the title and if West Ham are still struggling in the relegation zone. After 14 games, Arsenal are second with 31 points, while Bilic's side are struggling in the 17<sup>th position with 12 points.

The Gunners' boss has long been tracking Payet, even during his time at St Etienne from 2007 to 2011. However, lack of consistency convinced Wenger not to pursue his desire to secure his services.

Payet was West Ham's star player in the last season and he continued that form with his national team in the Euro 2016 as France lost to Portugal in the final. Wenger, who was a pundit for the tournament, heaped praise on the attacking midfielder and claimed he has all the attributes to become a "top player".

"He was a top talent, always, but had periods of being up and down. I've looked at him many times. I've known him for a long time. He played at Saint-Etienne and we watched him many times," The Sun quoted Wenger as saying.

"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."

Arsenal are likely to face competition in signing Payet in the mid-season transfer window. The Mirror reports the Gunners' league rivals Manchester United are also looking at the option of landing West Ham's star in January.

West Ham would want at least £35m ($44.5m) for their star player, who signed a new deal earlier in February. However Bilic is not willing to let the player leave, but could fail to retain the attacking midfielder beyond this season.