The France international has suggested he would be keen to move to the Gunners if the opportunity presented itself while also admitting he misses Champions League football. Dimitri Payet has suggested that he would be keen to move to Arsenal – but has insisted that Arsene Wenger has never made a move for him. The West Ham star has frequently been linked with a move across London, with reports suggesting that his compatriot and Arsenal boss Wenger believes the France international would be ideal for the Gunners. “I read that Wenger considers me the missing piece of the Arsenal’s game, but he’s never told me that!” Payet told RMC.
“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.” Following suggestions that he could move back to Marseille, which he did little to repel, Payet - whose West Ham side are struggling in the Premier League - also revealed that he misses playing in the Champions League. “The situation at the club affects me, but I’m an ambitious person,” he continued. “I’m in a fight with my club and I’m giving everything for them, to get out of this difficult situation, but I’m not closing the door to anything. “I miss the Champions League ... I’ve got some great years ahead of me and I want to enjoy them by playing in important competitions.”
He is not, however, ready to go to war with manager Slaven Bilic over a move away from West Ham. “If I’m forced to leave West Ham, it will be done according to the rules – the club will have its share of the cake,” he added. “My coach understands that today’s situation does not suit me. “I will ask the questions at the right time.” It has been reported that Payet has a release clause worth as little as £15 million if West Ham are relegated from the Premier League.
The Hammers currently find themselves 13th in the standings, only five points above the drop zone and 10 behind sixth-placed Manchester United - who currently occupy the last European qualification spot.
