Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to test West Ham United's resolve by making a bid for star midfielder Dimitri Payet next month, according to a report.
The 29-year-old has been on the radar of a number of the Premier League big boys after an impressive maiden campaign in East London, being rewarded for his consistent form by landing the Hammers' Player of the Season award.
Having also impressed for host nation France at the European Championship finals during the summer, where he scored three goals and assisted two more, Payet is said to have attracted the interest of Manchester United.
It is claimed by The Sun that Arsenal are the side who will dive in first, however, permitted their city rivals are still embroiled in a relegation battle come the New Year which will likely force their hand.
West Ham are thought to be keen to tie the creative talent down to a new and improved deal, just nine months after he committed by signing a five-year contract, but Arsenal hope that they can pounce before then.
Payet has failed to truly hit the heights of last term so far, though he has still set up five goals and scored one in 11 appearances since recovering from his Euro 2016 exploits.
Daniel Lewis
