With January soon approaching it means that the transfer window will once again open up for teams across Europe. Arsenal fans will be hoping that Arsene Wenger has already began thinking about possible options and moves he may want to do in the market, but as with many previous January transfer windows, I’m personally not expecting much movement at the Emirates.
We’ve heard plenty of rumours surrounding the possible interest in Wolfsburg’s Julian Draxler and supposedly the winger-turner striker would be very keen on coming to the Premier League with Arsenal. However now it’s a different player who may be issuing a ‘come and get me’ plea to Arsene Wenger, with West Ham’s Dimitri Payet speaking to the media about Arsenal today.
Payet reportedly told French outlet RMC “I read that Wenger considered me as the missing piece of Arsenal’s play, but he said nothing to me [laughs].”
“When you see them play, as a ball playing footballer, one could only enjoy oneself playing in this team. They are candidates for the title every year.”
Payet has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past and there were a few rumours flying around last summer after the winger had a fantastic debut season in the Premier League. This season he hasn’t quite had his same spell of form, much like his team West Ham who are struggling in the league since the move to their new stadium. Payet is supposedly now considering whether his future still lies with the Hammers after a number of top European clubs have reportedly shown interest in his availability.
Personally as good as Payet was last season and although he’s shown glimpses of the same promise this campaign, I don’t think he would be the best fit for Arsenal. Much like the Draxler situation, Arsenal already have a number of wingers and midfielders on the books and I don’t think Wenger really needs to bring in any more additions in this area. Payet also isn’t getting any younger and with just one good season in the Premier League it may be a big gamble for Arsene Wenger to make. West Ham are also in no real need to sell the player either and so could most likely demand big money if that’s what they desire. Having Payet amongst the squad would of course strengthen the side for sure, but is he really the right man to recruit during a transfer window where we need to address our top concerns and main priorities?
It was a comment from Payet that was sure to get plenty of media attention, but I don’t think there’s anything more to the rumour I’m afraid.
By AH