Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Dimitri Payet, Kieran Gibbs

Arsenal are reportedly favourites to sign West Ham United forward Dimitri Payet during the January transfer window. The Gunners are being tipped to make a move for the attacker said to be unhappy with life with the Hammers.

A report from the Daily Express (h/t Dan Zeqiri of the Daily Telegraph) credited Arsenal as leading the way in any race to secure a deal for Payet this winter. Zeqiri also highlighted why the Frenchman would be a useful fit for the Gunners: “Left wing is a position Arsenal could do with an upgrade in; Alex Iwobi is a precocious talent but is still developing, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is more comfortable on the right or centrally. Payet’s set piece delivery would also give Arsenal a fresh dimension.”

Zeqiri is right to point out Arsenal’s issues on the left. It’s been a problem position all season, with manager Arsene Wenger trying a host of players there.

Wenger’s problem is he can’t find a player who combines creativity with goals, pace and natural width. It’s why Payet makes so much sense as a transfer target.

The 29-year-old is a classy creator of goals, one who can light up any match with a moment of inspiration or a signature piece of flair. In many ways, Payet is the archetypal Wenger player.

The Gunners boss loves attackers whose games are defined by technical excellence. No wonder Payet sounds so keen to play for Arsenal.

The France international recently talked up the idea during an interview with French source RMC (h/t James Dale of Sky Sports):

I read that Wenger considers me the missing piece of the Arsenal’s game, but he’s never told me that!

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.

Payet even made clear his desire to play in the UEFA Champions League, a competition the Gunners haven’t missed in 19 years, during the same interview: “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.”

Payet should also love the fact …

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