Wenger wants to sign Payet, Sun say

Arsenal are the latest club to be linked with a move for West Ham star Dimitri Payet.

The Sun claim Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wants to take Payet, 29, to the Emirates Stadium.

It follows recent reports that Manchester United are eyeing the French playmaker.

Wenger will move for Payet when the transfer window reopens in January if Arsenal are still challenging at the top of the table and West Ham are struggling near the bottom, The Sun claim.

The newspaper also recently suggested that the Hammers are looking to tie Payet to another long-term contract.

He signed a new deal with the club in the summer, having been outstanding for Slaven Bilic’s team last season.

Speculation that Wenger will move for him comes after he was asked about Payet at a press conference on the eve of his side’s derby against West Ham.

The Sun declare that Wenger ‘purred’ 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,” Wenger said.

“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.”